Everyone knows that aerobic exercise, strength training and good nutrition are key to a balanced fitness program. But there’s another one just as significant. One that’s often overlooked … flexibility. Why is flexibility important? Flexibility refers to ability of the joints to move through their full range of motion (ROM), which is enhanced by stretching. Movement is only as possible as flexibility allows, so it’s vital to the body’s sound structure. Flexibility, through stretching, helps:
Prevent injury and pain.
Without stretching, tendons, ligaments and muscles will shorten, causing damage over time. It can also cause other muscles groups injury. For example, if you’re reaching into your car to grab groceries and the muscles in your abdominals, arms, and legs are weak, you have to rely on your back to help lift. This puts excessive force on your spine, which can lead to back pain and injury.
Improve digestion, circulation and posture.
Flexibility contributes to improved digestion and blood flow throughout exercising muscles. Surprisingly, it can also help with your posture. For instance, as you sit at your desk all day, your body may take on the shape of the chair. This can create tightness in the hip flexors, hamstrings, chest muscles, and weakness and lengthening in the upper back muscles. Without flexing these muscles, you are destined for poor posture. And that not only looks bad, it can cause problems such as back, shoulder and neck pain.
Increase ability to perform daily activities.
The more flexible your joints, the greater your range of motion. This can affect the ability to perform daily tasks, like reaching for items from high shelves or turning your head to look behind you while driving. Flexibility also affects the degree in which athletes can move freely across different planes of motion – something that’s essential in performing efficient movements and remaining competitive.
Help you stay young.
As people get older, they experience a gradual loss in flexibility due to both aging and a lack of activity and exercise. This can be devastating since we need to maintain a healthy range of motion to perform everyday functions, like dressing, cooking and cleaning. The good news is that no matter what your age, you can improve your flexibility and quality of life. So be flexible with your fitness program. Continue aerobics, eating right and building strong muscle tone. But don’t forget flexibility. It’s so important, I’ve stretched the topic into two separate postings!
Stay tuned for Be Flexible, Part II.
What do you do to increase flexibility? Please share your methods or tips. Good flexibility is vital to good health, so I want to hear your comments!
