Flexibility is often seen as something impressive and desirable, but from a scientific standpoint, it has been challenging to determine if we should actively work to become more flexible. The assumed benefits of stretching to prevent sports injuries and improve physical fitness have not been fully supported by research. Are there any real advantages to being able to touch your toes or do the splits? Even in the field of sports science, there is little consensus on this matter.
Nevertheless, recent studies have started to shed light on the topic. Surprisingly, it seems that while stretching may have benefits, they have nothing to do with extreme contortionist abilities.
It is a well-known fact that stretching feels good, especially after a period of inactivity. And humans aren’t the only ones who have discovered this. Many animals, such as dogs and cats, also engage in stretching after lying around. This instinctive stretching, known as pandiculation, may have evolved as a reflex to wake up the muscles after a period of stillness.
Interestingly, other species do not seem to spend much time maintaining or increasing their range of motion. This raises the question of whether there is any real reason for us humans to do so.
