Flexibility - Flexibility Exercises & Stretching Exercises for Flexibility Training

Discover the best Flexibility Exercises for a flexible body without aches and pains and strong muscles. Stretching exercises and workouts for a flexible body.

As you discovered in the Muscle and Fitness section that Flexibility is an integral part of fit body{ other two been muscular strength & endurance and Cardio fitness }. Being flexible not only helps prevent injuries and problems like back ache, it also improves muscular fitness and create excellent muscle balance.

Flexibility is an important component of a balanced fitness program. So don't skip it !

Inside this Flexibility Section

• What is Flexibility?
• Advantages of Flexible life - too many to miss!
• Test your Flexibility to measure results
• What factors affect Flexibility?
• Top 5 Flexibility Tips
• Type, Frequency,  duration and intensity of stretching
• Stretching Exercises for Flexibility
• Additional Flexibility Resources

What is Flexibility?

Flexibility is defined as the range of motion about a joint angle. Simple stated flexibility measures the range of motion and is primarily defined by the elasticity of the muscles and tendons attached to it.. Although weight training with full range of motion is helpful to improve flexibility, stretching are a must to develop flexibility.

Baring factors like your age, sex, muscle bulk and fitness status, anyone can improve on their present level of flexibility.

It is important o perform stretching exercises that target the primary joints of the body for complete flexibility.

Advantages of Flexible life - too many to miss!

In short flexibility improves your range of motion, reduces chances of injury, improves performance and posture, reduces stress, relaxes you and build a flexible, agile body.

1. Improved physical performance and reduced chance of injury

2. Improved posture and balance

3. Improved muscle coordination and reduced low back pain.

4. Reduced Delayed Onset of Muscle Soreness and faster recovery!

Correcting posture - Flexibility stretches helps prevent extreme lordosis, kyphosis and scoliosis. Don't forget to read How to maintain excellent posture section.

Performing flexibility exercises in your young days reduces the age-related loss in flexibility that occurs late in life. Young people should take stretching very seriously.

Test your Flexibility to measure results

Testing how flexible is crucial for measuring progress in 2-4 weeks time as results will help you stay motivated. Remember nothing succeeds like success.

2 requisites before you test your flexibility

1. Proper warm up

2. Static Stretching

The flexibility test you do here is the simple sit-and-reach-test. It assesses flexibility in your lower back and hips.

What factors affect Flexibility?

1. Chronic posture resulting in muscle tension

2. Injuries

Top 5 Flexibility Tips

1. Always stretch after a thorough warm up. Warm muscle responds better to stretching than cold ones. Remember stretching is NOT warm up.
    
2. Stretching through a full range of motion is the best way to achieve a flexible body.
    
3. Always stretch opposing muscle groups for balanced flexibility.
    
4. Stretch to point of mild discomfort. Although stretching well within the range of motion will not add flexibility, you should always know when you are going beyond the injury-free zone.
    
5. Do both a generalized stretching routine followed by a weight training specific or sports specific stretching routine always for a flexible and functional body.

What factors affect Flexibility?

Apart from Joint factors like the type of joint and its structure, major factors affecting flexibility are old age and female sex. These are less flexible than their counterparts generally.

Type, Frequency,  duration and intensity of stretching AND Stretching Exercises for Flexibility

Please visit theStretching Exercises Section for the above information.

Additional Flexibility Resources

ExerciseGoals.com Recommends - The Stretching Handbook.

Stretching Exercises

• Neck Rolls
   
• Lunges/ Achilles Tendon Stretches
   
• Hamstring Stretches - Hurdler's Stretches, Combination Hamstring Stretches
   
• Side Bends, Forward Bends, Seated Forward Bends, Standing Twists and Windmills Exercise.
   
• Core Stretches - Lower Back Stabilizers/Erector Spinae Stretches.
   
• Upper/Lower Back Stretching Exercises.
   
• Quadriceps Stretches, Inner Thigh Stretches, Hip Stretches.
   
• Spinal Twists, Hanging Stretches, Abdominal Stretches.
   
• High Knees Exercise, Jumping in Place.
   
• Cool Down Stretches.
   

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