Increased flexibility is hugely important for health, particularly as we age.
In going through my friend Logan Christopher’s new 7-Minute Flexibility course, I came across a little review he did of some scientific literature, and wanted to share!
(Links to studies referenced can be found on this page):
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Why Stretch? – What the Evidence Says
— Lack of flexibility is associated with atherosclerosis or arterial stiffness leading to stroke and heart disease (independently from other variables) [1]
— Just four weeks of stretching in middle aged men reduced this arterial stiffness [2]
— Obviously, physical activity in general (strength and cardiovascular fitness) is associated with less all-cause mortality, meaning dying from any cause at all [3]
— Being able to sit on the floor and stand up from it without the use of hands, which takes a combination of flexibility, coordination and mobility makes people die less [4]
— Stretching the calf muscles alone improved endothelial function and ability to walk…which walking ability in turn also reduces all-cause mortality [5,6]
— And, while only a mouse study it is worth sharing, that stretching reduced cancerous tumor growth because of lowering inflammation and fibrosis! [7]
— This may because mechanoreceptors in the cells, even the nucleus and genetic expression are changed via physical forces on the body! [8]
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The main take-away from today’s message is that flexibility should be at the TOP of your fitness priority list as you age!
Be sure to incorporate some kind of stretching as part of your regular routine.
If you are looking for a simple, quick, and effective program to get started, check out my friend Logan Christopher’s 7-minute Flexibility:
