Flexibility Training
Flexibility training needs to be as important as much as our aerobic and strength training.
We focus on aerobic training to improve our cardiovascular endurance and burn fat.
We focus on weight training to maintain lean muscle tissue and build strength.
We NEED to focus on flexibility training to allow greater movement and improve posture…plus more:
Flexibility helps to –
- Increase physical and mental relaxation
- Releases muscle tension and soreness
- Reduces risk of injury
Some people are naturally more flexible, this is due to genetics, gender, age and level of physical activity. As we grow older we tend to lose flexibility, usually as a result of inactivity rather than just getting older. So the less active, the flexible we are likely to be. As with training cardio style or strength style, the more you do the better you get, as too with flexibility.
Stretches-
Warm up first with breathing techniques and moving slowly around, swinging arms gently etc. Stretching cold muscles can cause injury. When you are performing any stretch:- – develop a postivie mental attitude – Isolate the muscle group to be stretched – Move slowly and smoothly into the stretch – use correct alignment – Concentrate and feel the stretch – Start each stretch slowly, and breathe into the stretch – Try to hold stretch for 10-30 seconds – Come out of stretch as slowly as you went into it.
Avoid these stretching mistakes:- – Don’t bounce a stretch – Don’t stretch a muscle that is not warmed up – Don’t strain or push a muscle too far – it’s a stretch not a strain – Don’t hold your breath – Do not eat whilst stretching
Please try to schedule a class of yoga or tai chi into your weekly exercise regime – it does help trust me
