Flexibility can be defined as:

“A range of movement available at a joint”.

What is flexibility?

Why do it?To improve physical fitness

Effective flexibility will:

-Improves posture

-Reduces the risk of injury

-Maintains a healthy spine

-Reduces the risk of back problems

Types of flexibility

• dynamic flexibility– Dynamic flexibility (also called kinetic flexibility) is the ability to

perform dynamic (or kinetic) movements of the muscles to bring a limb through its full range of motion in the joints.

• static-active flexibility– Static-active flexibility (also called active flexibility) is the ability to

assume and maintain extended positions using only the tension of the agonists and synergists while the antagonists are being stretched.

• static-passive flexibility– Static-passive flexibility (also called passive flexibility) is the ability

to assume extended positions and then maintain them using only your weight, the support of your limbs, or some other apparatus.

What happens when we stretght ?

-The body prevents over stretching and tearing of muscles by using a stretch reflex

-When the body thinks that the muscle is about to overstretch it causes a big contraction that immediately stops the movement and prevents damage

Types of stretgh

Static stretching -when stretches are performed with no movement

Static stretching-passive -Passive- An external force holds and creates the stretch

Static stretching-active -Active- This is when the opposing muscle holds the stretch in place

When do we stretch?

Stretching must only be preformed after exercise when the muscles are warm and pliable

Stretching cold muscles can result in tearing and damage

Flexibility requieres that you are both warm and relaxed

Conclusion

• Strength training and flexibility training should go hand in hand. It is a common misconception that there must always be a trade-off between flexibility and strength.