Flexibility training is an essential component of a balanced fitness program and contributes to overall physical health, performance, and injury prevention. Integrating regular flexibility exercises into your routine can have numerous benefits for both athletes and individuals seeking to improve their general fitness and well-being. You don’t often hear a lot about flexibility training. It is one of the most important parts of fitness yet it is so often forgotten about. Quite often flexibility is ignored and comes a distant second to cardio, strength, and heavyweights. We should all do a flexibility or stretching program at least two to three times per week.

Here are some reasons why flexibility should not be ignored.

It decreases the risk of injury and improves recovery

Maintaining good flexibility in muscles and joints can help prevent injuries, particularly during physical activities or sports where sudden movements and strains are common.  After the release of a static stretch, local blood flow increases beyond pre-stretching levels. As a result, more oxygenated blood equals faster recovery. Stretching helps manage muscle soreness and moves nutrients around the working muscles. This assists in cell recovery.

It improves mental health and quality of life

The benefits of stretching don’t just affect the body. Studies have shown that low-intensity Tai Yoga can improve quality of life. Improvements in quality of life are often linked to more positive self-esteem. Therefore, it can lead to improvements in mental health.  Flexibility training, when incorporated into a well-rounded fitness routine, contributes to overall health and well-being by promoting better movement patterns, reducing muscle stiffness, and enhancing overall physical function.

It improves performance and posture

Being flexible means our joints can smoothly move through their entire range of motion. Activities such as Yoga, Tai Chi, and Pilates focus on gently moving through these ranges. Consequently, our joints become more stable.  Flexible muscles can generate more power and strength through a wider range of motion, potentially improving athletic performance and functional movements. Improved flexibility can help in maintaining better posture and alignment, reducing the risk of musculoskeletal imbalances and related issues such as back pain.

It helps to manage chronic pain and stiffness

When used alone or combined with thermotherapy (heat packs etc), flexibility exercises have a positive impact on chronic low back pain. Flexibility and stretching aren’t just important for those suffering from chronic pain. Improving muscle length is helpful to those who spend long periods in a rigid position. For example desk workers, long-distance drivers, etc.

It creates greater awareness of body strengths and imbalances

For most of us, it is common to have one stronger and/or more flexible side. Flexibility training, therefore, helps to make us aware of where these places are in our bodies. Stretching and flexibility exercises can aid in muscle recovery after intense workouts by increasing blood flow to the muscles and reducing muscle tension.

Stress Reduction

Flexibility training often involves relaxation techniques such as deep breathing and mindful stretching, which can help reduce stress levels and promote relaxation.

How can you improve your flexibility? 

Holding stretches at a comfortable tension for up to 60 seconds improves muscle length. It’s important to stretch each muscle group in the body. Also, aids such as TheraBands or a towel can assist. That’s helpful for those of us lacking the flexibility to hold the stretch comfortably. Alternatively attend a class, where you may be guided.

Chiro & Sports Med

Our chiropractors at Chiro & Sports Med are committed to providing chiropractic solutions to address your unique needs, whether you are experiencing an irritated nerve, bulging disc, back pain, neck pain, knee pain, headaches, or even muscular tightness and tension. You may be searching for pain relief after an accident or experiencing an injury.  Our mission is to help reduce or eliminate pain and to prevent future problems and injuries. Above all, we are here to improve your quality of life, well-being, and your ability to live an active healthy lifestyle.

If you would like to make an appointment with one of the chiropractors at Chiro & Sports Med simply call our office on 9817 2005 and one of our friendly staff will organise an appointment for you or you can Book Online.