Stay flexible for your health
in
Long
Q: I work on my flexibility all the time and still cannot stretch as far as some of my friends. Why not?
A: My very dear friend Chris "Oompa" Thrasher, one of the excellent instructors at Gracie South Jiu Jitsu and Mixed Martial Arts in Flowood, is a perfect example of what you are talking about. To say Chris is flexible would be the understatement of the year. He can get his legs into positions that simply defy the laws of human anatomy. To be honest, I don't even think he has to work that hard at it. His very extreme flexibility comes from superb genetics in addition to training.
Flexibility is defined as the range of motion at a joint such as the hip or elbow or a series of joints such as the back - vertebrae. Possessing adequate flexibility is not only necessary for everyday life when walking, running and working but especially for sports.
Sure, some sports like ballet, gymnastics and martial arts require extremely high levels of flexibility, but a certain amount of flexibility is needed just to stay healthy and prevent common problems like lower back pain often caused by tight hamstrings.
This doesn't mean everyone needs to stretch every day for endless hours, but having adequate flexibility to be healthy, perform your job and sport are exceptionally important.
The American College of Sports Medicine advises flexibility exercises (stretching) two to three times per week. Always warm up first with a little aerobic activity like walking for 5-10 minutes to get muscles warm and pliable for easier and safer stretching. Don't bounce when stretching, as this can actually cause more harm than good. Most stretches should be slow and progressive which is called "static."
Dynamic stretches are the new thing, and I love them but you may need a qualified person such as an exercise physiologist or strength and conditioning coach to show you proper form. Dynamic stretches involve movement like kicks and punches and have been proven to be particularly excellent for athletes.
Stretching offers mental benefits as well as physical in the form of stress relief.
After your next workout, take a few minutes out to gain the bodily and psychological benefits of this wonderful form of exercise.
