What is meant by physical flexibility?

Our body is made to move. Because most of us have a desk bound, sedentary lifestyle, we tend to have stiff and lethargic bodies, but stretching our muscles, ligaments, bones, cartilages and tendons helps to make our bodies more flexible and prevent them from weakening. But what is meant by being physically flexible?

The Oxford Dictionary defines flexibility as "the quality of bending easily without breaking". Therefore, a supple, flexible body will allow you to bend and move easily and gracefully, and will be less prone to injuries because it can withstand physical stress.

While some people are naturally flexible, you can always improve your flexibility by incorporating muscle-stretching exercises in your workout routine, or in your daily life. However, before you get down to actually doing the stretching exercises, here are a few things to keep in mind.

Stretching

Stretching is defined as lengthening muscles deliberately by bending the body into various positions. However, there is much more involved to stretching exercises than merely bending or positioning the body in various ways for stretching muscles. Correct stretching techniques help your body to become flexible; increase the mobility of your joints; improve your circulation, posture and the range of movements of your limbs and joints; prevent injuries that might occur while performing other exercises or sports; and relieve stress.

Stretching techniques

• Before beginning your stretching exercises, warm up your muscles with some kind of light cardio exercise, such as brisk walking or riding a stationary bike, for about five minutes.
• Gradually increase the frequency of stretching exercises as well as the holding time for each stretch until you can hold your stretch for about 10 to 15 seconds; holding it any longer can sometimes lead to over stretching tendons and joints.
• Make sure you're not dehydrated during your stretching exercises. Drink ample water before you begin.
• Breathe deeply and evenly throughout the session. Many people inadvertently hold their breath while stretching. Remember, the oxygen that you breathe while stretching, goes directly to your muscles.
• Know your limits. Do your stretching exercises in gentle and slow movements. Never use forceful, bouncy moves, as this can injure tissues and joints, and do not stretch your body to where it becomes very uncomfortable or painful.
• Perform your stretching exercises both before your workout as well as after it as a way of cooling down; stretching muscles after an intense workout, whether with weights or a cardio session, can be very soothing and relaxing.

Our Employee Wellbeing Programme (EWP) is available 24 hours a day. If you want to know more about physical flexibility, call us on the EWP number or email us at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Sources:
www.fitness-training-at-home.com
www.healthmad.com
www.yoga.org.nz