Flexibility is a joint’s ability to move through a
full range of motion. Flexibility training (stretching) helps balance muscle
groups that might be overused during exercise or physical activity or as a
result of bad posture. It’s important to clearly understand the many benefits
that result from a good flexibility program.
Improved Physical Performance and Decreased Risk of
Injury
First, a safe and effective flexibility training program
increases physical performance. A flexible joint has the ability to move
through a greater range of motion and requires less energy to do so, while
greatly decreasing your risk of injury. Most professionals agree that
stretching decreases resistance in tissue structures; you are, therefore, less
likely to become injured by exceeding tissue extensibility (maximum range of
tissues) during activity.