There are solid reasons why every athlete should stretch before and after working out. To increase and maintain complete range of motion of the joint. To relieve muscle soreness. Light exercise promotes a better supply of blood and oxygen to the muscles than complete rest and should be pursued unless severity of injury to muscles or joints precludes further activity. To improve capacity for activity.
Stretched muscles require less energy for completion of movements.
To decrease unnecessary neuromuscular tension, promoting general body relaxation and reducing emotional stress. To relieve muscle-joint stiffness associated with the aging process. To increase muscle extensibility. Muscles can be stretched 1.6 times its resting length before it tears. To elongate the fascia, which provides the muscle support system.