Can stretching really replace your cardio?

Interesting question, right?

Turns out the answer isn't as clear-cut as you might think.

Here's why:

A recent study out of Milan, Italy reports that 12 weeks of passive stretching can boost blood flow in the arteries and a decrease in artery stiffness... and improve overall heart health. Plus...

It can reduce problems in your vascular system and decrease the risk of events such as heart attack and stroke.

Who knew, right? Well, the really cool part is what a Cardiologist who reviewed the research said:

“Exercise is one of the most effective ways to ensure healthy arteries, but a lot of the types of exercise that are most studied are cardiovascular focused such as running, walking, biking, swimming. This study is exciting because it shows similar benefits with non-cardio training,”

That's great for folks who have trouble with cardio because of strains, pains and injury... but still want to improve their cardio health.

As you may know, passive stretching is a stretch where you let gravity (or a partner) do the work .

You just relax into the stretch. Don't hold your breath or anything. 

The only downside to passive stretching is that it's not the best for injury prevention many times or to prep for strength training or running or a lot of other activity.

And you probably don't have 30 minutes to a "dynamic stretch" routine, either. 

That's why this is gaining such popularity.

In fact, experts from Yale couldn’t believe their eyes… 

When these incredibly simple “home routines” made extremely stiff people, many over the age of 70 do full splits, back bends or lay their palms flat on the floor with both legs full outstretched ...

Try these simple routines at home and your flexibility will double...

Over 1 million people have already gone through the routines and had amazing results… 

 
Including John (72) and Diane (68), who both had replaced hips and both swear the routines helped them completely remove back pain from their lives...  

Dang - if only John was Jack... then it would be a cool story about Jack and Diane. (If you know, you know)...

Anyway...

Check it out here.