When people begin an exercise program, the emphasis is often placed on cardiovascular and strength training workouts. However, there is another aspect to exercise that is often overlooked, but offers numerous benefits including improved physical performance and decreased risk of injury. This category of exercise is known as flexibility training, which is used to help your joints achieve a full range of motion. This type of exercise is essential in keeping your body loose, flexible and injury-free. Find out how and why to incorporate flexibility training into your daily exercise regimen.

The Benefits of Flexibility

Whether you are new to the gym or a seasoned athlete, flexibility training will be beneficial to you. Flexibility exercises, which mostly consist of a variety of stretches, can enhance physical performance, reduce your risk of injury, decrease soreness in the muscles and improve posture. Series of stretches can also increase the amount of blood and nutrients that gets to your tissue, which allows the essential tissues of your body greater elasticity and improved performance. There are plenty of good reasons to add a flexibility program to your workout routine.

How to Incorporate Flexibility

In the majority of exercise programs, flexibility training consists of a sequence of stretches that will gently extend the muscles to allow for a greater range of mobility. There are a number of different types of stretches that can be used in the program for maximum benefit. The first is the static stretch, which involves moving slowly into a stretch and then holding it for a short period of time. Ballistic stretching is used to force a limb beyond the normal range of motion, using the momentum of movement. Dynamic stretching is the process of using swinging motions to bring the limbs to a full range of motion. Flexibility training can use a single type of stretch that will slowly work all of the major joints and muscles of the body, or it can use a combination of stretching techniques in a single workout.

Types of Flexibility Training

You can complete your flexibility training with a simple series of stretches, or you can turn this part of your workout into a larger component of your exercise program by using some different exercise techniques. One popular method of flexibility training is an aqua-aerobic program that is usually done in chest-high water in a swimming pool. Water is a perfect medium for those who are elderly, overweight or pregnant, but it can also create a challenging workout for the rest of us. The buoyancy of water eases the stress on the joints while exercising, allowing you to get the full benefit of your flexibility training. The density of the water also allows for greater range of motion, making your stretches more effective.

Another great method of flexibility training is a yoga or Pilates program that will enhance your range of motion while building muscle tone and strength. These disciplines are also good for mental clarity and relaxation. Because of the risk of injury with both yoga and Pilates, it is best to begin your workouts under the supervision of an instructor that can make sure you are performing your stretches and positions properly. Flexibility training is an asset to your workout program because it can enhance your physical performance and decrease your risk of injury. It`s time to stretch yourself to the limit!

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