You want to be able to say, 'I feel good'. Stretching doesn't replace other kinds of activity. It doesn't work your heart the way a brisk walk does, and it won't give you stronger muscles. But it's just as important to maintaining an active lifestyle, Anderson says. Stretching isn't as complicated as say, quantum physics, but there are a few things to know before you get started.
Many people think warming up is the same as stretching.
At work, walking up and down the hall and gently rotating your shoulders will get you ready to stretch out tense shoulder and neck muscles. Bouncing triggers a contraction that prevents the muscle from tearing. It also prevents the muscle from relaxing and allowing itself to be stretched. Slow, rhythmic breathing relaxes your mind and helps your muscles let go.