How You Can Improve Flexibility In Your Body

Measuring flexibility is rather difficult, and several instruments have been developed for this purpose. Probably the most widely used device is the goniometer. This device is a protractor like device that measures the range of motion about a specific joint. This method is the most accurate means of assessing flexibility. However, for the average person, assessing flexibility by using the goniometer is not practical.Several tests are suitable for measuring flexibility when more sophisticated means cannot be used. (The directions and norms for these tests are provided in the assessment activities.) You should warm-up and follow the rules for general stretching before taking the assessments.

Developing a Flexibility Program

Flexibility can be improved by exercises that promote the elasticity of the soft tissues. These 10 minute exercises can be done every day, both before and after exercise, and also during days of rest from exercise.

Flexibility is an important component of a fitness program designed to improve total fitness. Stretching exercises improve flexibility but may not be effective in reducing injury from exercise. Muscle soreness and injury are possible when tight muscles are subjected to strenuous physical activity. Failure to stretch may appear to increase the potential for injury, but little evidence in the literature supports this idea.

Improving Flexibility

The term flexibility refers to the range of motion at a joint or series of joints, such as the elbow, shoulder, and knee. Flexibility is specific to each joint; that is, a person may be quite flexible in the shoulders but inflexible in the lower back. The flexibility of one joint cannot be predicted by measuring another, so several measurements at different sites are necessary to assess this component of fitness.

Flexibility is influenced by three factors:
  • The bony structure of the joint,
  • The amount of tissue around the joint, and
  • The elasticity of the muscles, tendons, and ligaments that cross over the joint.
Improvement in flexibility is accomplished primarily by increasing the elasticity of muscles, tendons, and ligaments.

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