(And no, that half-hearted hamstring tug at the end of class doesn’t count.)

Ever reached for the top shelf and felt like your shoulder disagreed with your spine? Or winced in discomfort when getting up from the floor? You’re not broken, and you’re definitely not alone. But if your body’s been sending subtle protest signals, it might be time to tune in.

And guess what part of the workout gets left behind most often?

Stretching

Not the rushed lean-over at the end of class. Not the casual side bend while waiting for the kettle to boil. I’m talking about stretching that’s actually done properly. The kind that gives your body space, relieves tension, and helps you feel like you’re moving better, not just moving more.

Let’s break down why making time to stretch isn’t just a feel-good bonus; it’s an essential part of staying active and capable, now and for years to come.

Why Stretching Feels So Good

That sense of “ahhh” after a long stretch isn’t just in your head. It’s your nervous system, connective tissue, and muscles all getting on the same page. Here’s what’s really going on:

• Muscles lengthen, especially when you hold a stretch for 20–30 seconds. That’s when you start to reduce tension and improve flexibility.   Learn more about how muscles respond to stretching.
• Fascia (your body’s cling wrap) becomes more pliable with slow, sustained movement. When fascia gets tight, you get stiff.  What is fascia, and why is it important?
• Blood flow improves, sending nutrients in and waste out, helpful for recovery and overall tissue health.
• Your parasympathetic nervous system (aka “rest-and-digest” mode) kicks in, calming both body and mind. Stretching and the nervous system
• Endorphins are released, giving you a natural lift and making your brain and body say, “Let’s do that again.”

It’s a gentle reset. And it works.

Why Stretching Matters More Than You Think

We talk a lot about strength and cardio. But flexibility and mobility? They’re the quiet achievers. You might not feel the “burn,” but without them:

• Joints tighten
• Movement feels laboured
• Recovery slows down
• Posture collapses
• And everyday things—like walking holidays, dancing at weddings, or getting off the couch gracefully, get harder

Tight muscles can also pull your joints out of alignment and create compensations. That “stiff and old” feeling? Not always age, it’s often just underused, un-stretched tissue.

And here’s the good news: it’s reversible. You can move better, feel looser, and even regain range you thought you’d lost, for good.

Flexible vs. Not-So-Flexible: A Real-Life Snapshot

Let’s paint a picture.

Person A: Stretches 2–3 times a week. They can tie their shoes standing up, hop out of the car without groaning, and sleep without waking from hip or shoulder aches.
Person B: Skips stretching. Avoids low chairs. Struggles with stairs. Hesitates before getting on the floor (because… getting up).

The difference? It’s not youth. It’s consistency.

You don’t need to twist into a pretzel every day. Even 15–20 minutes a few times a week can change how you move.

Stretching That Actually Works

Stretching only works when it’s done with intention, not just tacked on at the end. When the sequence makes sense, when it’s taught clearly, and when it respects your body’s needs? It can be transformative.

That’s why I created the Stretch Me sessions inside the Virtual Workouts with Marietta membership.

These short, targeted routines focus on:

• Releasing tension
• Improving range of motion
• Helping you feel more at home in your body

Each session fits into your day, supports your other workouts, and (importantly) feels achievable. Because let’s be honest, if it feels like a chore, we won’t do it.

Think You’ve Been Doing Everything Right?

If you’re walking regularly, lifting weights, even swimming, but still feel stiff or restricted, stretching might be the missing piece of the puzzle.

And the best part? You don’t have to guess where to start.

You can join my membership and enjoy a 30-day free trial.
No pressure. No lock-in. Just support, variety, and an entire section of Stretch Me sessions ready when you are.

JOIN NOW

Give your body the gift of space and ease

Because moving well today helps you keep doing the things you love tomorrow, and for all the seasons to come.