Streeeeeeeeetch it out!

One of the secrets to mobility in older age is flexibility.

So what are the benefits of Flexibility training?

Flexibility training lengthens and stretches muscles which can help prevent injuries, prevent and reduce back pain, and improves posture and balance. A well-stretched muscle more easily achieves its full range of motion which in turn give you an overall better range of motion.

So being flexible helps you move more easily and allows you to just generally make life easier. For example picking something up off the floor, getting down to pull something out from under the bed or reaching into the back of that low cupboard to get at something.

And all of you golfers! Think of that rotation from backswing to follow through, your whole body from calf, through your leg, your butt, your waist and shoulders, even your neck all need to be flexible to give you an easy range of movement to make the swing effortless.

Below are some of the advantages of stretching:

• Reduces injury risk • Lessens risk of falls • Prevents and corrects muscle imbalances • Improves posture • Enhances joint range of motion • Improves athletic performance • Combats the effects of sitting for long periods • Reduces joint pain and strain

Some examples of flexibility exercises are:

• Stretching • Yoga, • Pilates, • Tai chi.

As well as holding stretches (static stretches) there are dynamic stretches. Dynamic stretches can also be a series of controlled movements to get the body moving before any type of exercise. Some examples include trunk twists, walking lunges, or leg swings against a wall, shoulder rolls

---

Karen is a qualified personal trainer and nutrition coach living in Cyprus near Paphos with her husband Mal and their cat Dave. She has been a personal trainer for 14 years and a qualified nutrition coach for over 2 years. She is passionate about working with people of any age and fitness level to improve their health and wellbeing.

Click here to see more of her posts.