GOOD THINGS COME TO THOSE THAT SWEAT!

Flexibility is the capability of a person to perform its full range of motion without any pain or discomfort. This is important in daily activities such as walking, running, bending, and lifting. But life takes a toll on flexibility as the years go by, and it significantly decreases. So it’s best to be mindful of your flexibility to gain its benefits continually.

Injury Avoidance

When one has optimum flexibility, inefficient and awkward movements are eliminated. This allows the free flow of joints for the complete range of motion. The typical problem in people with poor flexibility is a pain in the lower back area because of the tightness of the iliopsoas, back muscles, and quadriceps. It can also be the result of weakness in the hamstrings and abdominal muscles.

Tight muscles may yield more muscle tears on one or both sides of a joint. If a joint has a normal range of motion or ROM, it can prevent injury. Flexibility can help achieve this. Athletes that require greater ROM should have more flexibility to help protect themselves from further injury.

Overall, when the muscles are lengthened and opened, the entire body will have better functionality. Looser muscles will have fewer pains and aches. Muscle cramps can be avoided altogether.

Enhancement of Balance and Posture

Physical Performance Improvement

Inactivity leads to the loss of the flexibility and suppleness of muscles. This makes them vulnerable to pains, aches, and tears. This loss of flexibility can affect changes in muscle functionality and can impact physical performances.

To become more physically fit, you need to combine flexibility training with strength improvement. This will ensure that the muscles will have sufficient tension and endurance to support movements. If they are more flexible, they will have more efficiency.

If a joint has a more excellent range of motion, it can perform several movement skills with greater efficiency. Strength with flexibility can help people control their movements better. Athletic performances can be achieved better with improved flexibility and increased range of motion. 

Did you know?

By overstretching a tendon by only  4 percent may cause long term harm

The boggling part is that flexibility training is often overlooked in sports and athletic practices. This fitness aspect should not be neglected as it can significantly bolster the individual performances of athletes and prevent injuries from happening.

With improved flexibility, aerobic fitness training is boosted. Sport-specific movements, muscular endurance, and body strength can increase with a better range of motion. Flexibility can decrease stiffness in athletes who perform at higher intensities and frequencies.

For optimum body performance, the entire length of the muscle should be used for strength and power. However, if the muscles are tight, they may not supply the explosiveness needed for a specific movement. For example, in sprinting, if you have tight hip flexors, you will not be able to have the full burst. Flexibility should never be ignored.

A Positive Mindset

Beyond the proven physical benefits of flexibility exercises, they can also instill a more relaxed mindset as you focus on your stretching routines. This mindfulness can help sharpen your focus as you concentrate on each muscle stretching.

Stress is inevitable in daily life, and this can take a toll on our bodies and mental health. Stretching is a form of relaxation that can reduce these health concerns, including energy restoration and self-encouragement.

As you perform flexibility exercises, you can do breathing exercises that help your body receive more oxygen. In turn, this helps stabilize blood pressure, slow your heart rate, and take away your anxiety. This can also be a time to do meditation exercises that encourage a sense of peace and body awareness.

A trainer is essential for the supervision of stretching to help you keep your attention focused on the flexibility exercises.

How to Improve Flexibility Further

There are no shortcuts to the maintenance of flexibility other than regular stretching. This must be done at least once a day. You don’t even need to be a gym buff to stretch. Also, if you are in front of your television or office desk, you can incorporate efficient yet straightforward stretching exercises.

The rule of thumb is to focus on large muscle groups that we tend to overlook and ignore, such as hamstrings, hips, shoulders, calf muscles, and lower back. As we grow older, these muscles tend to become stiff or sore because of misuse. But always be mindful not to overdo it as it can cause injuries.

For your regular exercise programs, you can integrate flexibility exercises as well, whether it’s strength training or aerobic exercises. You can improve the overall quality of your joints, muscles, and health.

When you include yoga in your training regimen, you also boost your mental capabilities. That unique balance between the brain and the body can work wonders, such as improved muscle toning and lung capacity enhancements.

Experts, however, are keen not to recommend stretching before any form of exercise. According to the Harvard Health School, the new line of thinking is that it’s better to do a light workout routine to warm up the muscles first before you proceed to do any flexibility exercise.

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