10/27/2026
Monticello-are you stretching cold??
It's the first thing a lot of us do: wake up stiff, reach for our toes, pull on a tight back — before we've moved at all.
Harvard's new stretching report says that's backwards. Cold muscles aren't ready to be pulled on.
Try it in this order instead:
1. Move first — 5 to 10 minutes of light activity. A short walk, arm circles, just getting blood flowing.
2. Move through the stretch before a workout — gentle, dynamic movement, not holding and yanking.
3. Save the long holds for after — 15 to 30 seconds, when you're warm.
That's also when Stretch Therapy does its best work here.
And it has to be regular. Flexibility isn't a one-stretch fix — it builds over weeks, and it fades if you stop.
Question for you: Do YOU stretch first thing in the morning, before you've moved? Tell us below — hips, back, or shoulders first? 👇
Want a coach to show you what's safe for your back, hips, or shoulders? Book a free movement assessment: link in comments
Call/text 870-538-8737
Harvard Medical School Special Health Report "Stretching: 35 exercises to improve flexibility and reduce pain," reported Oct 5–6 — warm up 5–10 minutes first, dynamic stretches before activity, static holds of 15–30 seconds after, and stretching must be regular to build flexibility.
