Benefits of Flexibility
A key component of any exercise regimen is flexibility training. Flexibility is extremely important for both men and women alike for a number of reasons including improving range of motion, decreasing injury and recovery time. This is especially important for the aging population to stay on top of because, as people age, flexibility decreases. Additionally with more individuals leading sedentary lifestyles, it is crucial more now than ever before that flexibility become a daily part of one’s life to avoid the risk of pain and injury. The modern day worker is a great example of someone who flexibility training would greatly benefit. They are at extreme risk for things like lower back pain due to the many hours spent sitting hunched over staring at a computer screen. This can be easily rectified with at least ½ hour spent stretching per day.
Not only is flexibility key for the sedentary individual it is absolutely critical for the active person as well. All forms of weight lifting whether it be kettlebells, dumbbells, or the Olympic Bar require the user to have significant range of motion in order to execute the lifts correctly. The best way to increase range of motion is by including a session of stretching at the end of every workout. I suggest utilizing John Davies’s DVD, “Pink It’s The New Black,” as the exercises are highly effective for all fitness levels. Make this part of your daily routine and the gains on health will be tremendous.
Tags: benefits of flexibility, Boston, flexbility, Kettlebells, MA, yoga