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What is Flexibility Training?

Erin J. Hill
Erin J. Hill

Flexibility training refers to any exercise method that helps the joints and tendons become more flexible over time. There are various ways to accomplish this, primarily through safe stretching exercises. Yoga, Pilates, and pre-exercise stretching may also be considered this type of training. Those who are injured may also go through this type of training during physical therapy to regain use of certain muscle groups.

Before undergoing any type of flexibility training, it is important to speak with a doctor or another trained practitioner. A full physical may be done to test a patient’s physical fitness, flexibility, and overall health. This will give him or her a good idea on where to start and how hard to workout during the first few days and weeks.

Young, flexible rhythmic gymnast.
Young, flexible rhythmic gymnast.

To become more flexible, one must slowly bend the arms, legs, torso, neck, and other major muscle groups until there is a slight resistance. A little bit of pain or pressure is normal, but anything more may indicate that the workout is being overdone. Muscles should be stretched properly without any jerky movements or overexertion. This will help to prevent injury.

A woman doing yoga.
A woman doing yoga.

Yoga is one type of flexibility training that comes with many benefits. Those who regularly practice yoga are often more relaxed and feel less stress throughout the day. Muscles also become leaner and stronger and joints become more flexible over time. Anyone who has never participated in yoga should start out in a beginner’s class or using a beginner’s instructional video. It’s important not to move on to more advanced steps until the elementary ones have been mastered.

Flexibility training can help stretch the tendons, which may prevent many of these common Achilles tendon problems.
Flexibility training can help stretch the tendons, which may prevent many of these common Achilles tendon problems.

Pilates is another form of exercise which requires a lot of stretching and movement. This can also be considered flexibility training as well as a good fitness regime for those who want to tone muscles and lose weight. Many times it is a good idea to combine flexibility work with strength training exercises become both forms of workout rely on each other for maximum results.

Gymnastics, yoga, and Pilates are all excellent ways to improve flexibility.
Gymnastics, yoga, and Pilates are all excellent ways to improve flexibility.

Anyone who takes part in aerobic exercise and cardio training should also undergo some level of flexibility training. Pre-workout stretches increase flexibility and help prevent injuries due to muscle strain or weakness. These should be completed before any workout routine.

Those who have been injured may also take part in flexibility training as part of a physical therapy routine. By retraining muscles to bend and move properly, pain and stiffness can be alleviated or lessened over time. Full function of the body’s muscle groups may also be possible with enough therapy and training.

Discussion Comments

anon1002676

This was really helpful. I managed to learn a lot in the quizzes.

anon299592

One of the most important, but often overlooked parts of any good training routine is the inclusion of some flexibility training. Despite the tremendous benefits of stretching, I have lost count of the number of times I have seen people do an exercise session without any stretching whatsoever, or if they do stretch, they do the wrong type for that stage of the workout.

So what are the benefits of stretching? Well! Dynamic stretching, which is the type of stretching that should be done during the warm up phase of a workout not only increases your core temperature, but also increases blood flow to the muscles and increases the heart rate, all of which are essential to preventing injury, but also improves your performance in any type of training or sport that requires a full range of movement.

elizabeth23

Flexibility training can help any sort of sport, but it's important to be careful, not try too much too soon, and most importantly remember that stretching on cold muscles has been found to actually promote injury; if you run, for example, try to do about 5 minutes of warm up running before you stretch; after you get your flexibility better established, it might even work best to do your stretched entirely after the workout is finished.

behaviourism

Even if you don't consider yourself an athlete or even athletic at all, starting a stretching program as soon as possible can seriously help to prevent injury later. There are flexibility training programs for people of all ages and fitness levels, and even ways that people who already have a motion-limiting condition to at least improve the flexibility they still have. Many doctors can help with this, as can physical trainers at gyms or health clubs.

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    • Young, flexible rhythmic gymnast.
      Young, flexible rhythmic gymnast.
    • A woman doing yoga.
      A woman doing yoga.
    • Flexibility training can help stretch the tendons, which may prevent many of these common Achilles tendon problems.
      By: Alila
      Flexibility training can help stretch the tendons, which may prevent many of these common Achilles tendon problems.
    • Gymnastics, yoga, and Pilates are all excellent ways to improve flexibility.
      By: andreaxt
      Gymnastics, yoga, and Pilates are all excellent ways to improve flexibility.
    • Pre-workout stretches increase flexibility and help prevent injuries due to muscle strain or weakness.
      By: Andres Rodriguez
      Pre-workout stretches increase flexibility and help prevent injuries due to muscle strain or weakness.