When should stretching be the easiest?

Stretching is generally easiest during the cool-down phase after exercise. This is because, during physical activity, the muscles are warmed up and more pliable. As your heart rate becomes more normalized and your body temperature begins to drop after exercise, the muscles remain more relaxed and flexible, making it an ideal time to incorporate stretching.

While it can be beneficial to stretch at various times throughout the day, including during warm-up or first thing in the morning, the muscles may not be as adequately prepared for stretching in those scenarios. Stretching during a warm-up is typically intended to prepare the body for activity, which might not focus on maximal flexibility. Stretching first thing in the morning may also feel more rigid, as the body has been inactive and the muscles might still be stiff from sleep. Therefore, the cool-down phase is recognized as optimal for effective and safe stretching.