It always amazes me how many fitness buffs fail to include this element into their training programs. Flexibility is defined as the static maximum range of motion (ROM) available in a joint. Flexibility training can help all of us increase our range of motion, but there is a limit to our individual ROM capabilities based on the structure of our joints. That's why some people are just more naturally flexible than others. I'm not particularly bendy myself, but I've been practicing yoga for a number of years, and my ROM has increased dramatically. There are so many different
types of yoga* to choose from that almost anyone can find a branch that fits them best, but if you have an aversion to yoga for whatever reason, there are plenty of plain ol'
stretching programs that can do the job as well.
While cardiovascular endurance and weight training are the cornerstones of any good fitness program, flexibility is like the bastard step-child that no one wants to talk about. It's a terrible shame because there are so many
benefits to making flexibility training a priority:
- freedom of movement and improved posture
- increased physical and mental relaxation
- lessen muscle tension and soreness
- reduced risk of injury
*I'm partial to Ashtanga and Kundalini myself
2 comments:
Here is an interesting addition to those thoughts. I was talking to a gerontologist the other day who told me that the two best exercise types for maintaining health as you get older are flexibility and balance.
This is because the vast majority of injuries to older folks come from falling (balance issues) and then having stuff break (flexibility so you're not so brittle when you hit) from which complete recovery never takes place.
I seriously have all sorts of crazy fitness plans that all center around us having a flat not above crazy people who will go apes*** if one steps too much. Noting all this for when we have that space.
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