Stretching after exercise is most beneficial

Remember being a kid in gym class, and having to stretch before running the field? How about in high school sports, when "warming up" consisted of stretching before practice? Remember how much it hurt to stretch your cold muscles?

Apparently, and thankfully, this is no longer in vogue. The new way to warm up recommends actually warming up the muscles before stretching, with a few minutes of walking or light exercise. This makes the muscles more pliable and less apt to tear.

I tried it, and it feels much better, too. Come to think of it, the progression of yoga classes build in that warm-up before the super-stretchy poses. Smart!
It is good for older adults to warm up so that they don't put too much stress on their weaker joints, thereby stressing the heart as well.

Another benefit of stretching after exercise is that it helps you become more flexible.

This Third Age article about stretching has links to stretching exercises for the over 50's and also tips for safe stretching.