Importance of Flexibility

 Frontiersman Nov. 3, 2006

Flexibility is the most neglected part of many fitness programs.  Let’s face it, it isn’t as exciting or dramatic as other types of activity. So many people ask “Why bother?”

From a practical standpoint, increased flexibility can dramatically improve your sport or recreational activities.  For example, golfers can improve their game with a flexible trunk. Many golfers are also very tight in the hip flexors (the muscles going from the upper thighs to the hip area). Those muscles need to be stretched to counter act the leaning forward swing stance.

As we age, our range of motion decreases unless we work on strength and flexibility.  It is never too late to start.  If you have limited flexibility, consider a stretching or yoga program. The less you move, the less flexibile you will become. Without incorporating flexibility into your workout program, you may end up needing physical therapy to get the range of motion back.

Yoga classes are a great place to start.  Don’t panic, not all classes are the stereotypical yoga classes with members sitting cross legged and chanting.  More classes are incorporating a fitness type yoga.  It involves stretching, strengthening, and working at your own level.  There are lots of yoga studios here in the Valley. Let them what your goals are and they can recommend which classes would be best.

You will be amazed how increasing your flexibility will make your daily activities easier.  After doing yoga or stretching I always feel taller, more focused, and relaxed.

Stretching is also a great way to relax and unwind.  With this crazy world many of us run from one thing to another and rarely make time to sit down and relax the brain.  Studies show that if you are trying to lose fat and you don’t enough down time, the body won’t release much fat.

Before you start any deep stretching make sure your body is thoroughly warmed up. This is where going to an organized class can be very helpful.  The instructor will lead you to gradually warm up the body, instruct you on proper form and give modifications to make the stretches easier or more difficult.

So, don’t just lift weights and hit the treadmill.  Add in a couple sessions of yoga or stretching to round out your exercise program.