Flexibility Training

Stretching is a fundamental way to improve your overall health and fitness. By incorporating a regular flexibility program into your exercise routine you will:

• improve circulation
• improve range of motion
• improve posture
• decrease joint stiffness
• decrease muscle tension
• improve performance (there is limited evidence to support this)
• improve your ability to relax
• allow time for mental training, such as visualization
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Only stretch when the muscles are warm.
The best time to perform your flexibility routine is after exercise. This is when the muscle is the warmest and when you can use the relaxation. Focus on stretching the muscles you use the most during your specific exercise or sport.

The best type of stretching is static held stretching for 15 – 30+ sec.
Many types of stretching exist, however the easiest information to remember is never bounce your stretches or take them to the point of great pain

In addition to improving range of motion, stretching is extremely relaxing and most people use-stretching exercises to maintain a balance in body mechanics. Often the forgotten component of fitness, stretching will enhance your strength and cardiovascular training, but one of the biggest benefits of stretching may be that it just feels good.