Flexibility

Most trainers, exercise physiologists, and health care professionals agree that flexibility training, although often overlooked, is an important component of a physical fitness program. Stretching becomes even more important as you achieve advanced levels of muscle strength and endurance. If optimum functional fitness and military readiness are the goals, then well-balanced flexibility training is a must.

Benefits of Stretching

What is flexibility? When someone says they are flexible, what do you think of? Maybe you picture someone who can touch their toes. Flexibility is the ability to move your joints freely through a full range of motion. The range of motion at each joint is different and depends largely upon the structure of the joint and the condition of the muscles, tendons, and ligaments around the joint. Proper stretching increases flexibility and leads to:

♦ Reduced muscle soreness after exercise.

♦ Lower risk for injury.

♦ Mental and physical preparation for
exercise or competition.

♦ Enhanced muscle performance through a
larger, functional range of motion.

♦ Mental relaxation.

The goal of flexibility training should be to enhance joint movement while maintaining joint stability. Therefore, stretching exercises complement both strength and aerobic activities. An intense workout can cause small tears in muscles. Also, during exercise recovery, muscles and connective tissues (ligaments and tendons; defined in the Glossary) can shorten. Stretching prevents this muscle shortening and decreases the muscle soreness associated with intense workouts.