Are you stretching regularly as part of your fitness training? Stretching is just as important as exercising and shares many of the same benefits as fitness training. Stretching may increase your joint range of motion, which may improve your athletic performance and also decrease your risk of injury. Other benefits include better posture, fewer aches and pains and more self-confidence. Many of us spend the greater part of each day in the same position, which compromises blood flow to some muscle groups and leaves certain.