system
Given the following post, respond as if you're commenting on Reddit:
human
ELI5: Why do we need to stretch our muscles? In the wild we wouldn’t have time to stretch before running from danger so shouldn’t our bodies be ready to move optimally whenever needed?
gpt
We don't and static stretching is highly discouraged.

What we do need to do is "warm up" the muscles. This entails some minor activity to increase blood flow to the area. This helps protect the muscles when in use.

If you stretch a "cold" muscle you're more likely to cause tears and further injury.