Flexibility
Flexibility is an important component of physical fitness that is often overlooked. The ability to move joints and muscles through a full range of motion is called flexibility. Being flexible is an important part of your overall health because it helps your balance and coordination and helps prevent injuries.
In the United States, approximately 80% of all lower-back problems come from improper alignment of the vertebral column and pelvis due to poor flexibility. For instance, many people who have desk jobs and who sit down all day have poor flexibility in their legs, which can affect the alignment in the back and cause discomfort and even pain.
You do not have to be a gymnast or ballet dancer to have good flexibility. When you have good flexibility, it is easy to function in everyday life. You can bend, turn, and twist your body more easily. Just think of simple movements you make throughout the day, such as tying your shoes, reaching for something on the top shelf at the grocery store, turning around in your desk at school, and bending down to pick something up. Some of these movements may be difficult for people; however, if they are easy, then you may have a good level of flexibility.
Your level of flexibility is determined by several factors:
- Gender (women tend to be more flexible than men)
- Age (children tend to be more flexible than adults)
- Your predetermined range of motion in your joints
- Heredity (some people have joints and muscles that are looser or tighter than others)
- Level of physical activity
- Body temperature (warmer muscles tend to be more flexible)
- Lifestyle (if you are living a sedentary lifestyle, you are not getting the movement your joints and muscles need to stay loose; therefore, your muscles and joints will tighten, leaving you less flexible)
Benefits of Stretching
So why is being flexible so important? As stated earlier, it improves your balance and coordination, and prevents injuries. By stretching, you are allowing your muscles to easily move through a range of motion, thus preventing muscle strains that can cause injuries. In this interactivity, learn about the benefits of increasing your flexibility. Click the player button to begin.
View a printable version of this interactivity.
Flexibility Review
Now that you have explored flexibility, review your knowledge in this non-graded activity. Click the player button to get started.