Does stretching help heart health?

"Flexibility and stretching are an important part of your overall fitness, but did you know that they can help set the stage for better heart health?
Kerry Stewart, an exercise physiologist at Johns Hopkins, says that although stretching workouts don’t directly contribute to cardiovascular fitness, they benefit your bones and muscles. This helps keep you flexible and free from cramping and joint pain during aerobic activities.

Stewart also says that greater flexibility means you’re less likely to get hurt while doing your aerobic workouts and strength training. That’s because flexibility exercises improve your balance, which will help prevent falls and injuries. For maximum benefits, stretch every day before and after your other exercise, and consider adding a tai chi or yoga session to your weekly routine.

For more tips, check out 3 Kinds of Exercise That Boost Heart Health.