Importance of flexibility
June
2005
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Fitness expert Josh Salzmann
explains that flexibility is not just for the younger generation
Flexibility is known as the range of motion at a given joint.
For example, you should be able to reach your toes with both
legs straight.
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Having
good flexibility allows you to increase your physical performance,
allowing the joint the ability to move further with less energy.
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What are the benefits of increased flexibility? It increases
blood supply and nutrients to joint structures, which in turn increases
circulation, leading to greater elasticity of surrounding tissues.
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Quadriceps: Stand with left hand
against wall for balance. Bring right heel towards your rear and
hold onto your foot with same hand. Keep knees close and draw in
abdominal muscles. Tilt pelvis slightly forward and lightly stretch
up. Turn round and reverse the exercise. The stretches should be
held for 15-20 seconds for each leg.
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Hamstring:
Lying on floor, bring one knee to chest. Lift the leg to stretch muscle,
pointing toes down to increase the stretch. Keep other leg along floor,
as straight as you can manage. Then exercise other leg in same way. The
stretches should be held for 15-20 seconds for each leg. |
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If you carry out the above stretches regularly then muscle
soreness will gradually be reduced. Stretching is extremely effective in
reducing delayed muscular soreness “after” exercise and helps your body
recuperate from stress.
Michael Parkinson, who has been a client for the last six years,
believes that my exercise regime has improved his flexibility. “If you
look at my shows in 1998, when I walked on, I was doing these little
short steps that were typical of an old man who had shortened his steps
because he had lost elasticity. But now, if you watch me, I walk on with
a stride.”
Tip.. All stretches should not be forced.
Flexibility is achieved over a period of time
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