In terms of developing a complete package of physical health, there are always areas that are lacking in terms of a person's fitness regimen. Some people concentrate all their efforts on resistance training but lack cardiovascular training. Others concentrate all their efforts on specific sport training but fail to focus on overall strength and endurance as well. However, there is one area of fitness that is often overlooked more so than any other component. That component is flexibility, and we are going to discuss why it is so important, and why it should not be ignored.

What exactly is flexibility?
It is the range of motion around a joint.

Why is it that my friends are so flexible and I am not?
To put it simply: no two bodies are the same. Firstly, some people benefit from having quite flexible joints from the get go. Secondly, these same people may consistently train to improve flexibility resulting in superior overall flexibility. With that being said, anyone can improve their flexibility.

How do I improve my flexibility?
Stretch! After a suitable warmup to ensure your muscles, ligaments and tendons are ready, stretch the desired muscles accordingly. You want to aim for a 20 to 30 second stretch and repeating the stretch two to three times per body part. You should train flexibility at least three to four times per week in order to achieve optimal results.

I don't know how to stretch!
The Internet is a beautiful thing. There are many credible sites that offer free instructional pictures, descriptions and videos to assist you in getting started. Also, feel free to talk to any of our personal trainers at the fitness centre. We are more than willing to assist you or provide you with some diagrams.

I'm getting confused with all these stretching techniques. Help!
There are several types. Static stretching is the type most are familiar with that involves stretching the muscle and holding the stretch without movement. Ballistic stretching is the bouncing/ jerking type stretch that is often not used anymore due to potential injury risks. Dynamic stretching involves taking a limb and repeatedly moving it back and forth or side to side about eight to 15 times. PNF stretching typically involves a partner stretching the muscle for you first. Secondly, you would contract the muscle you just stretched against your partner's resisting force. Your partner would then stretch the same muscle one last time, which would stretch even further due to the contraction you just completed in the second phase. Again, the Internet and fitness consultants are your best friends and can better describe these techniques with visuals.

I don't care to be flexible, so why even bother?
Because flexibility leads to a reduced risk of injury, improved strength and a higher quality of life! You're basically restricting your body's own potential by not working on overall flexibility. Nobody is saying you need to work on your flexibility until you can do the splits like Jean-Claude Van Damme; but, it will allow your body to do much more than you could ever imagine.