Muscles remember the last thing you do. And if the last thing you’ve done is contract them over and over while walking, bicycling, or pressing dumbbells, they’ll end up tighter and shorter. What’s more, every muscle in your body contains “stretch receptors” that keep a constant dialogue going with your brain about your overall level of tension. When your muscles are chronically tight, your body is thrown out of alignment, creating muscular imbalances and poor posture. That notifies your brain that your body is under constant stress. Can you say tension headache? Aesthetically, well-stretched and limber muscles appear leaner than shortened, constantly contracted muscles. Stretching also undoes a lot of the postural damage we do even when we’re not working out. Finally, stretching has some hidden psychological benefits. Just as chronically tight muscles send a signal to your brain that you’re under constant stress, chronically relaxed muscles send the opposite message, telling your brain that everything is okay. That can make you feel less stressed out even when things are crazy. Plus, when done properly, stretching simply feels good. Stork Stretch Stand with your left hand resting on a chair or a table for support. Bend your right leg behind you, and grasp the top of your right foot with your right hand, keeping your back straight and your eyes facing forward. Slowly pull the heel of your foot toward your butt (not all the way up; that’s a dangerous angle), stopping when you feel tension in your quadriceps. Be sure to keep your hips and knees aligned with one another. Do not lock the knee of your supporting leg. Hold, then return to the starting position. Repeat with your left leg.
