The hundreds of construction workers putting up the new Milwaukee Bucks arena stretch, bend, squat and wiggle — all before 7 a.m.

The daily loosening-up regimen is a priority for Minnesota-based Mortenson Construction, which is managing the $524 million project.

Mel Langlais, safety director of the company's Milwaukee Operating Group, told the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel that the morning sessions aren't just about stretching. Langlais said they are a cultural thing that set a tone for the rest of the day.

Mortenson started daily stretching on its job sites about 20 years ago. Langlais said the company saw immediate benefits including a reduced injury rate. They even have workers do a second session after the lunch break. — AP