There has been a misconception about yoga vs stretching and here's my best take on that matter.

Stretching and Yoga are Similar, but NOT the Same

Yes! Both yoga and stretching requires you to lengthen and compress your limbs, but in a deep sense the two are far different. When you have someone stand up and touch their toes, genuinely a big block they have is in their own nervous system (The nervous system is responsible for controlling the body’s functions, including movements and thoughts). So when you’re doing something that’s uncomfortable, our adrenaline and cortisol levels are raised in the body, stiffening the muscles. In yoga you spend a lot of time breathing and relaxing and feeling safe first. Breathing lowers our cortisol and adrenaline levels causing our muscles to become less stiff, allowing us to bend and lengthen deeper into the stretch.

Another good reason to stretch is because the less we move around, the more we decrease our blood flow, (Blood carries oxygen and other nutrients the muscles would need) resulting in loss of flexibility and muscle stiffness. In addition, unmoved muscles become tight and result in poor posture and could make regular activities difficult to achieve.

While yoga may be a step forward and highly encouraged, simply stretches can also lead to great results and less malfunctions.

Benefits of Stretching

• Increase circulation
• Greater flexibility
• Improves balance
• Lowers stress levels
• Reduces injury risk
• Reduces pain
• Increase energy
• Increase mobility
• Improves posture
• Improves mood

***Take stretching a step further by incorporating a bit of yoga, considering your breath and concentration to experience a stage of relaxation while challenging and learning your body and its limitations. Deepen your stretch with deep inhales as you pull or lengthen your limbs, and long exhales as you release or fall into the bend, deepening the stretch. <<keep yoga in mind by visualizing that pulled area as you send breath to the area being stretched>>