First of all, what exactly is flexibility? When you hear the word flexibility, you probably think of a contortionist or gymnast, but the technical definition is the ability to move your joints through their full range of motion. However, while many sports require great flexibility at the highest level, you might think that flexibility doesn't apply to you, but that's not true! If this is true, how exactly does flexibility impact your life? Everything you do in your life has, is, and will continue to force your muscles to work. Let's look at a simple analogy, like a rubber band. When you stretch an elastic band, you must release it in order to fully extend it again. The joints and muscles in your body work the same way. Now let's take a look at your own personal experiences. Think about one of your least favorite workouts that left you sore for days! During high-intensity periods, like workouts, microscopic tears begin to form in your muscles, causing you pain. Once these tears begin to heal, your muscles expand and strengthen, but they also tighten, bringing you closer and closer to a serious injury that can stay with you for the rest of your life. For women after puberty, it can help relieve some of the pain associated with the monthly menstrual cycle, and for anyone suffering from joint pain, stretching can prevent future, and possibly chronic (recurring) pain. Stretching also lengthens and revitalizes your muscles, helping you feel relaxed, energetic and ready to take on life's challenges, whether you're a professional athlete training for hours or a retiree taking walks. in the neighborhood, stretching is vital for health!Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay There are many types of stretching now, and each has its own benefits! Static stretching is a method that involves holding your stretched position for between 10 and 30 seconds, and it is generally considered the safest method, as well as the most beneficial for those who suffer from chronic joint pain (as long as you don't do not push). yourself too hard). Dynamic stretching, as the name suggests, involves a lot of movement, specifically to rotate or twist certain parts/muscles in order to achieve full movement potential. The following stretching method is known as ballistic stretching and requires "bouncing", often varying between positions or simply bouncing in or out of a position. This is thought to be riskier, especially for people with previous or current joint pain. It is most often used by high-level athletes whose sports correlate with these movements. On the other hand, passive stretching doesn't require a lot of movement from the stretcher itself because it's assisted by another person, whether it's a trainer or a friend. Although usually harmless, this can cause injuries such as muscle strain/tear if the assistance pushes the stretcher beyond its limit of flexibility. Finally, we have PNF (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation) stretching. It is generally considered the best practice for increasing your flexibility and involves contracting a muscle immediately before in order to achieve a greater stretch. Overall, having flexibility is. (2014)..