Flexibility
Learn the basics about flexing
What is flexibility?
The benefits of being flexible
• Reduces stress in the exercising muscles and releases tension developed during the workout.
• Assists with posture by balancing the tension placed across the joint by the muscles that cross it. Proper posture minimizes stress and maximizes the strength of all joint movements.
• Reduces the risk of injury during exercise and daily activities because muscles are more pliable.
• Improves performance of everyday activities as well as performance in exercise and sport.
How does one improve their flexibility?
It's important to have good flexibility so you don't injure yourself. This does not just apply to athletes: anyone can hurt themselves if they happen to move the wrong way and overstretch a tight muscle. Flexibility exercises are especially important as we age, since much flexibility can be lost (making it harder to complete basic tasks and slowly decreasing independence). Increasing flexibility isn't hard but it doesn't happen overnight. You have to keep at it until you reach your goal and then stretch on a regular basis to keep yourself at that level.