What stretching does and doesn’t do

I stumbled on this article yesterday and it sent me down a stretching-based rabbit hole. Here’s my summary:

What (static) stretching does:

• Increases flexibility
• Weakens muscles and decreases performance (in the short term)
• Feels pretty good (depending on the stretch)

What (static) stretching doesn’t do:

• Prevent injury
• Prevent soreness
• Lengthen muscles

If you want to:

• Warm up for an activity? Do the activity at a lower intensity for a few minutes.
• Avoid getting injured? Warm up 👆 before starting exercise (and hydrate, sleep enough, use good form, etc.).
• Increase flexibility? Follow a widely used stretching routine.