Lifetime Personal Fitness
Home | Lifetime Personal Fitness Lectures | Overview of LPF | Lifetime Personal Fitness Activities | Gallery of Photos | Contact Me | Resources

Benefits f Flexibility


Benefits of Flexibility Training
Flexibility is a joint's ability to move through a full range of motion. Flexibility training (stretching) helps balance muscle groups that might be overused during exercise or physical activity or as a result of bad posture. it is important to clearly understand the many benefits that result from a good flexibility program.

IMPROVED PHYSICAL PERFORMANCE AND DECREASED RISK OF INJURY

~increases physical performance

~a flexible joint has the ability to move through a greater range of motion and requires less energy to do so, while greatly decreasing your risk of injuries
~stretching decreases resistance in tissue structures therefore less likely to become injuries by exceeding tissue extensibility during activity.

 

REDUCED MUSCLE SORENESS AND IMPROVED POSTURE

~stretching reduces muscle soreness.
~static stretching helps reduce muscle soreness after exercise.
~stretching improves muscular balance an posture.
~stretching can help realign soft tissue structures, thus reducing the effort it takes to achieve and maintain good posture in the activities of daily living.

REDUCED RISK OF LOW BACK PAIN
~stretching promotes muscular relaxation
~A muscle in constant contraction requires more energy to accomplish activities.
~flexibility in the hamstrings, hip flexors, quadriceps and other muscles attaching to the pelvis reduces stress to the low back.
~stretching causes muscular relaxation which encourages healthy nutrition directly to the muscles.

 

INCREASED BLOOD AND NUTRIENTS TO TISSUES
~stretching increases blood supply and nutrients to joint structures.
~stretching increases tissue temperature, which in turn increases circulation and nutrient transport.
~stretching allows greater elasticity of surrounding tissues and increases performance.
~stretching increases joint synodal fluid, which is lubricating fluid that promotes the transport of more nutrients to the joints' articulator cartilage.

IMPROVED MUSCLE COORDINATION
~nerve-impulse velocity is improved with stretching
~stretching helps opposing muscle groups work in a more synergistic, coordinated fashion

 

ENHANCED ENJOYMENT OF PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES
~flexibility training also means enhanced enjoyment and a fitness program should be fun if you want to stick with it.
~stretching decreases muscle soreness and increases performance
~stretching helps relax both mind and body and brings a heightened sense of well-being and personal gratification during exercise.


FLEXIBILITY

Definition- Range of motion around the joints of the body.

1. WHO SHOULD STRETCH?

~everyone regardless of age or flexibility

NOTE- you do not have to be in top physical condition or have specific athletic skills to become more flexible.

2. WHEN SHOULD YOU STRETCH?

~stretching can be done anywhere
~stretch at the beginning and at the end of the workout
~stretching at the end of the workout will increase your overall flexibility

3. WHY DO WE NEED TO STRETCH?

~should be a part of everyday life, stress reducer
~reduce muscle tension and makes body more relaxed
~increase range of motion
~prevents injuries
~develops body awareness
~helps loosen the minds control of the body
~promotes circulation
~it feels good mentally as well as physically

4. WHAT ARE THE 3 TYPES OF STRETCHING?

~Ballistic- bouncing type of stretch
~Static- hold stretch for 10 to 20 seconds
~PNF- partner stretching

 

Enter supporting content here