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Feeling Younger Through Stretching

By Andrew Voris

A sensible flexibility, or stretching program will not only enhance physical fitness, it can actually leave you with a more youthful, supple body that protects itself against injury.

Stretching increases flexibility and range of motion by stimulating the production of chemicals that lubricate connective soft tissue.

But besides becoming more limber, your ability to learn physical skills will be improved due to increased dexterity and coordination.

Stretching after physical activity will also reduce next-day muscle soreness, promote healing of microscopic tears, as well as prevent future injuries to overused, tight muscles.

Stretch training also promotes relaxation, both physical and mental.

The ability to let go of stress is something everybody can use on a daily basis, and is a great balance for anyone who is feeling stress in their everyday life.

The three main types of flexibility are

  1. Dynamic Flexibility: the ability to bring a limb through its full range of motion.

  2. Static/Active Flexibility: the ability to assume and maintain an extended limb position using only your own muscles.

  3. Static/Passive Flexibility: the ability to assume and maintain an extended limb position, using body weight, a partner or prop.

Flexibility is defined as the absolute range of motion in a joint, or series of joints.

About the Author:

Andrew Voris is a NASM certified personal trainer working out of his private office in Glen Ellyn, IL and out of Tri-City Fitness in St. Charles, IL. His websites are www.bodyformpersonaltraining.com & www.tri-cityfitness.com