What is Flexibility?
A day with body pain is common for normal day-to-day life. Let's face it, every individual suffers from some kind of body pain. Muscular pain and joint pain are the most common pains we face. The primary reason behind such pains is “Muscular Stiffness”. A stiff muscle or a group of stiff muscles restricts movements across the joints and makes general movements tough to execute throughout the day. To deal with the problem of muscular stiffness, one should increase the range of motion across all the joints by improving the component called Flexibility.
But what is Flexibility?
In simple words, flexibility is the ability of the body to maintain a full and complete, pain-free range of motion around the joints or series of joints. Although flexibility varies from person to person, the minimum range is necessary to maintain the health of joints. There are a number of variables that affect flexibility including injury, inactivity or lack of stretching. Range of motion in flexibility also affects the mobility of the soft tissues around the joints. These soft tissues are muscles, ligaments, tendons and joint capsules.
Inadequate flexibility will have a negative effect on the body in considerable ways
- Joints require a full range of motion to maintain good cartilage health and increase blood and nutrient supply to joints. A good supply of nutrients makes joints and tissues stronger.
- The decrease in flexibility leads to abnormal stress on structure and tissues resulting in bad posture across the joints. Poor posture of the spine is an example of the negative effect of inadequate flexibility.
- The inflexible muscles tear more quickly, putting extra pressure on helping muscles.
Benefits of Stretching Regularly
- Decreased risk of injuries.
- Improves performance.
- Increase in blood supply and nutrients across joints.
- Increased neuromuscular coordination.
- Reduced muscular stress.
Flexibility can be improved by performing static stretches. The stretches must be done with at least 10 seconds of hold in mild discomfort. One should perform stretches every day at the end of the workout for maximum safety and effectiveness. It helps to improve the quality of exercise.
Conclusion
Flexibility is the ability of the body to maintain a full range of motion across the joints. Inadequate flexibility can lead to poor posture, decreased joint health and an increased risk of injury. By including regular stretching in your fitness routine, you can improve your flexibility and enjoy the many benefits that come with it.
