10/05/2026
“Why Don’t More People Stretch?
The science of working out continues to evolve, but I sometimes feel that the importance of stretching is still underestimated.
Many of my clients are Americans, military members, athletes, or people who train very hard. They work out consistently, run regularly, and pay close attention to nutrition. But one thing many people still forget is stretching.
Strength is important.
But true strength also needs flexibility.
And flexibility is not only about muscles.
It is also about the nervous system, breathing, blood flow, emotions, and even the way we think.
In my experience as a bodyworker, many people who train hard without enough stretching tend to stay in a constant “fight or flight” state. Their bodies become overheated, their sleep becomes shallow, and their minds struggle to slow down.
This is especially common in people living with PTSD, anxiety, chronic stress, or panic disorders.
Many people carry deep tension in the upper back, shoulders, chest, hips, and legs. When circulation becomes poor, the body can feel stiff, heavy, cramped, or exhausted.
Stretching helps more than just muscles.
It may help improve:
• blood circulation
• breathing patterns
• nervous system regulation
• flexibility of movement
• body awareness
• emotional release
• sleep quality
When the body softens, the mind often softens too.
In Eastern medicine, we often say that energy flows through pathways called meridians. Whether you view this scientifically, physically, or spiritually, many people notice that when the back, chest, and hips open and relax, they feel calmer, lighter, and more emotionally balanced.
I also believe that flexibility is deeply connected to healthy aging.
A body that loses flexibility often begins to feel older faster. Stretching supports not only muscles and joints, but also circulation throughout the entire body.
Working out and running are excellent for both physical and mental health. I especially believe movement is important for people dealing with stress and trauma.
But recovery matters too.
Please do not forget the importance of stretching, breathing, rest, and balancing the body.
And if you train your upper body, don’t forget your lower body as well. A stable lower body helps calm and ground the nervous system.
For people struggling with sleep, sometimes reducing excessive intense training and adding more recovery-focused exercise, stretching, walking, mobility work, or KAATSU training may help the body relax more deeply.
Stretching the hands, feet, spine, and hips can also be surprisingly important. These areas affect circulation, temperature regulation, posture, and nervous system tension more than many people realize.
Stretching is not simply about becoming physically flexible.
It is also about creating space:
• in the muscles
• in the breath
• in the blood vessels
• in the nervous system
• and in the mind
For me, stretching is one of the most important acts of calming down and reconnecting with yourself.
Many of my clients already work hard on fitness and nutrition. So maybe stretching is simply the next step in supporting long-term health and balance.
Thank you for reading.
Have a peaceful and healthy weekend 🙂
wellness therapist RISA
