Get Flexible

I am not at all flexible and I spent a great number of years of my adolescence and adult life unable to touch my toes. Growing up I was always considered one of the tall kids I towered over many of my peers. I blamed my lack of flexibility on long legs and short arms and figured that I was a lost cause for any chance of being flexible.
When I introduced fitness into my life, I focused on cardio training for weight loss and strength training to tone my muscles. As I got stronger what little flexibility I had worsened and my joints got tighter: my reach was getting further and further away from my toes and my legs weren’t getting any longer nor were my arms getting any shorter. As my muscles grew, my overall range of motion suffered.
I was unaware of the benefits of flexibility training and what frequent stretching could do for my body.
My experience was not uncommon. Quite often flexibility training takes a backseat to cardio and strength training for the more esthetic benefits of weight loss and muscle building.
Flexibility training is a key component to any complete training program and will improve performance of everyday activities, exercise and sports. Some additional benefits to stretching and flexibility training are:
Reduce Risk of Injury – Flexibility causes our muscles to be more pliable. More pliable muscles reduce the risk of injury during exercise and daily activities.
Improves Circulation – Tension in the body affects overall circulation and the delivery of nutrients and oxygen throughout the body. Stretching will increase blood flow and improve circulation.
Improves Posture – Proper posture will improve balance and minimize stress on joints.
Relieves Stress – Improving flexibility through stretching relaxes tense muscles caused by stress. Focusing on the relaxation of tense muscles help relax the mind as well.
A great time to focus on your flexibility is immediately after your workout. Not only will it help encourage your body to recover but following a workout your muscles are warm, blood circulation is high and joints are lubricated allowing you to stretch farther.
Stretching should never be painful. Stretch your muscle to the point of slight tension but do not push to the point of pain or a lot of discomfort. Focus your breathing as your muscle lengthens. If you experience pain relax the tension and reconsider your stretch: are you trying to push too far?
Knowing that flexibility is one of my weaknesses I make an effort to include flexibility training as a large component to my overall training plan. Don’t neglect your flexibility.