National Stretching Day Date in the current year: December 11, 2024

Stretching is a form of physical exercise in which a specific muscle, muscle group or tendon is flexed or stretched in a deliberate way. Its main goal is to increase muscle flexibility and improve mobility. In its most basic form, stretching is a natural activity that is performed by many animals, often instinctively.

Many athletes stretch before exercise (as part of their warm-up) and after it to boost their performance and prevent injuries. Stretching is also used therapeutically to improve mobility and alleviate cramps. In such a case, it is typically performed under supervision and with assistance of a physical therapist or another qualified professional.

There are two main types of stretches: static and dynamic. Just like their respective names suggest, static stretches are performed while stationary, while dynamic stretches involve muscle movement. Stretches can also be active or passive. Active stretches are performed using the body’s internal forces, while passive stretches are performed with the help of people or external objects. Various equipment can be used to make stretching easier and/or more effective, for example, stretch bands, foam rollers, exercise balls, BOSU balls, TRX equipment, etc.

Anyone can benefit from stretching, not just athletes and dancers. Daily stretching relieves stiff and sore muscles and joins, helps increase and maintain one’s range of motion, improves blood circulation and muscle tone, prevents poor posture, calms the mind and alleviates stress, and even helps prevent tension headaches.

Like any physical exercise, stretching can be dangerous when performed incorrectly or carelessly. One should keep in mind that stretching techniques that work for one group of muscles can be ineffective or detrimental for another. For this very reason, therapeutic stretching is usually passive and practitioner-assisted.

National Stretching Day was inaugurated in 2022 by Stretch Zone, the world’s first and largest stretching franchise. Stretch Zone’s founder Jorden Gold developed his unique method of practitioner-assisted stretching after watching his grandfather become immobile as a result of diabetes. The original goal of the Stretch Zone method was to help people regain mobility by stretching in a safe and controlled environment.

How can you celebrate National Stretching Day? Well, by trying stretching, of course! You can book a Stretch Zone session with a certified practitioner, attend a stretching class at your local gym, or try stretching at home - there are plenty of stretching tutorials on YouTube that will help you begin your stretching journey. Just don’t overexert yourself; you don’t want to pull a muscle or injure a tendon during your very first stretching session. And don’t forget to spread the word about the holiday on social media with the hashtag #NationalStretchingDay.