For overall wellness, three main components are required: cardiovascular fitness, strength and flexibility. Flexibility is important for people of all ages and fitness levels. One of the greatest benefits of being flexible is an increased length of both your muscles and tendons. This leads to an increased range of movement, which means your limbs and joints can move further - reducing the chances of injury occurring.
Stretching before and after a workout keeps muscles and ligaments flexible. This is very important, as tight muscles can cause chronic pain. In many cases, back pain is caused by tight hamstrings and a weak back, which causes the pelvis to rotate backwards - leading to pain. To increase your flexibility:
Heat Range of motion and elasticity of a muscle is improved by an increase in temperature, so use a hot wet towel or increase your body temperature.
Warm Up An adequate warm-up period easily helps you achieve better flexibility.
Age Constant use of isolated muscles causes wear and tear and elasticity is lost - resulting in stiffer muscles - and a reduction in activity also decreases flexibility. So stiffness is often associated with advancing age. But if you increase your overall activity and stretch regularly, the effects of aging can be kept at bay.
Exercise allows a full range of movement by strengthening and stretching out muscles. To ensure good form - which allows muscles to move at their optimum length, relieving stiffness and pain - consult a personal trainer who can develop a programme to meet your specific needs. PHYSIQUE 360, Tel: 9423 0244, www.physique360.com
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