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Flexibility: Exercise and Stretching Passive Stretching

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Flexibility

Flexibility is the range of motion at a given joint. As an example, your shoulders should allow you to reach behind your back and touch both hands together. If this is not possible, you are not as flexible as you should be. This does not give you a license to force yourself to do this stretch. Flexibility must be attained in a controlled and safe manner. Flexibility is likely the most neglected aspect of physical fitness and should be a part of everybody's weekly fitness routine. What is the big deal about flexibility? Flexibility increases physical efficiency and performance. A flexible joint has the ability to move farther in its range and requires less energy to do so. Flexibility decreases risk of injury. Most …show more content…

Integrate regular stretching into your permanent fitness program. For inspiration, look to cats and dogs. They are dedicated practitioners of regular stretching! Just as there are different types of flexibility, there are also different types of stretching. Stretches are either dynamic (meaning they involve motion) or static (meaning they involve no motion). The different types of stretching are:
1. ballistic stretching
2. dynamic stretching
3. active stretching
4. passive (or relaxed) stretching
5. static stretching
6. PNF stretching
Ballistic Stretching
Ballistic stretching uses the momentum of a moving body or a limb in an attempt to force it beyond its normal range of motion. This is stretching, by bouncing into (or out of) a stretched position, using the stretched muscles as a spring which pulls you out of the stretched position. An example would be bouncing up and down repeatedly touching your toes. This type of stretching is not considered very useful and can lead to injury. It does not allow your muscles to adjust to, and relax in, the stretched position.
Dynamic Stretching
Dynamic stretching, involves moving parts of your body and gradually increasing reach, speed of movement, or both. Do not confuse dynamic stretching with ballistic stretching! Dynamic stretching consists of controlled movement that takes you (gently!) to the limits of your range of motion. Ballistic stretches involve trying to move a part of the

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