What is it? That thing you forget to do after exercise.

How much does it cost? Stretching is free.

What does it promise? While there’s some debate about the benefits of a pre-exercise stretch, taking time to stretch after a workout will improve your flexibility and realign your body. This is especially useful if you spend all day at a computer, because your posture will be awful.

What’s it actually like? I am an inveterate stretch-dodger. Fannying around on a mat after a workout always feels like a chore. But this week I decided to perform a comprehensive post-workout stretch whenever I went to the gym. I sat down and touched my toes, I held lunges against a wall, I pulled my elbow behind my back. I stretched my calf and chest and groin. It was annoying, obviously – I held each stretch for 30 seconds three times, so it added about 10 minutes to my session – but the effects were immediately noticeable, and I didn’t succumb to the pain and stiffness I usually feel after exercise.

Daniel Baldwin, from personal training service SIX3NINE, points out that variation is key. “It’s all too common to see people doing a favourite stretch that they are good at,” he says, “but it won’t benefit their routine. Instead, target muscles that are tight and short.”

Best and worst bits It’s all best bits. I felt looser, longer and stronger for having spent so much time stretching. I’d recommend it to anyone. Especially myself, obviously, because I can guarantee that I won’t keep it up.

Is it worth it? Yes.