We've been told hundreds of times: we need to stretch before doing sports or physical exercises. In school we were all taught that if we want to prevent getting injured, then we must stretch before doing any physical activity. Forget the fact that all top athletes stretch - we just do not have the motivation to do it on a daily basis.

So why should we stretch? Stretching can, in fact, be advantageous in a number of ways. The first, and most obvious reason we should stretch is the old (yet valid) argument that we have been spoon-fed for so long - that stretching minimizes injury during any physical activity, and makes the tired muscles less painful the next day. But why is this? As we stretch, we send oxygenated blood to circulate through our body and brain, which helps rid our body of unwanted toxins and it enhances both our physical and mental performance. Our joints, tendons, and muscles tend to lose their elasticity with old age, so the more we stretch when we are young, the more fit and flexible you'll be in the future.

Stretching is also useful for combating stress. Whenever you are experiencing physical or emotional stress, your muscles store unwanted tensions, and stretching these tight areas regularly serves to dissipate those tensions. Yet osteopaths consider maintaining a healthy back as the most important reason for stretching on a regular basis. The back can only move in six directions, and therefore it has a tendency to become stiff easily. As the back is the core of our musculoskeletal system, it is important that we keep it as mobile and flexible as possible.

You are recommended to undergo a stretch routine at least three times a week, stretching in the mornings, after your muscles have been warmed by a hot shower, or in the evenings, when your muscles have been warmed naturally throughout the day.

Despite what professionals say, it is not easy to maintain a stretching routine - for the simple reason that they are tedious. It is easy to set up a stretch routine, but following it is a different story. The best way to make yourself stick to a routine is by making the exercises fun. Instead of doing your stretches by yourself, for example, do them with a friend or relative - mundane things are much more interesting with company around. Or if there is a news or television program you watch regularly, do you stretches in front of the telly. This way, you get your stretches done and no one can call you a couch-potato.

There has been much controversy recently over the effectiveness of static stretching (stretching while stationary): some experts are now arguing that static stretching makes your muscles weaker. There is no substantial evidence to support this theory yet, however, so the best thing to do is just to find the right balance between the stretches you do. Do not stay in one stretch position for too long, for instance, and try to include as much movement into each stretch (i.e. swinging your arms or legs instead of holding them still). Additionally, try to have shorter stretch periods throughout the day -avoid the long sessions.

In this new age of technology, you are constantly bombarded with new medical 'discoveries' or tips on how to do certain things, such as stretches. While most of these are useful, it is important for you to realize what works for you, and what doesn't. If a stretch does not work, do something different! Regardless of whether you are a top athlete or just merely trying to stay healthy, doing stretches regularly is very important for your future wellbeing.