LCI Fit

What is flexibility?

The definition of flexibility is the absolute range of movement in a joint or series of joints that is attainable in a momentary effort, according to Webster’s Dictionary. Flexibility is what allows our muscles to stretch out due to the elastic and contractile tissue in the muscle. There is no set standard of what a person’s flexibility should be at, for it is a determinate based on your own body. Flexibility not only ranges differently from person to person but also within your own body from joint to joint. For example, a person may have incredible flexibility in their shoulders but may have extremely tight hamstrings. In order to achieve maximal flexibility the muscles have to be stretched, while they are warm to avoid any muscles tearing or damage.
There are a few different ways to practice and increase flexibility.
Dynamic stretching, which is most beneficial, is stretching out of movement. This type of stretching should be done before and after any workout, practice or game.
Static stretching is a held position for a certain amount of time, this type of stretching is good to do after your muscles are warm, never while they are cold.
PNF stretching (proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation) is usually stretching with a partner which is also known as passive stretching. This allows participants to go a little bit further beyond their normal range of motion. This type of stretching is commonly used by sports therapists who have knowledge of what type of stretches to do and how far a person should be able to stretch.
Another form of stretching is ballistic which means either in a dynamic or static stretching position a bouncing motion is added. This type of stretching can be very harmful especially on cold muscles or if the bouncing is too intense.

Posted in: