How important is it to work on flexibilty?
Happy New Year.
Part of anyone’s health program should incorporate a great flexibility program.
In doubt? This may help to understand why.
The effects of being inflexible.
Inadequate flexibility will have a negative effect on the body in 3 significant ways:
1. Joints require movement through a full range of motion to maintain the health of cartilage and other structures within the joint with increased blood supply and nutrients to joint structures with increased quantity of synovial joint fluid (oil in the crank case). This effect can be particularly noticeable in weight bearing joints such as the hips and knees.
2. Muscles that are inflexible tire more quickly, causing opposing muscle groups to work harder. Muscle fatigue can lead to muscular injuries and the inability of the muscles to protect joints from more severe injuries. For example, the hamstrings play a role in stabilizing the knee and preventing ACL tears.
3. Decreased flexibility may also lead to abnormal stress on structures and tissues distant from the initial site of inflexibility. One example of this is that tendonitis in the knee can be related to calf tightness.
Additional benefits of a regular stretching routine.
1. Increased neuromuscular coordination
2. Return of muscle to natural resting state
3. Modifying blood pooling, recirculation.
Adding regular massages into your training regime will aid in recovery and joint mobility