Flexibility
See also: Sports
Massage
Flexibility is the muscle's ability to stretch which
influences an athlete's range of motion and overall strength and endurance.
Flexibility is affected by several factor such as:
- structural alignment
- over-developed muscles
- tight muscles, tendons and ligaments
- genetics
- age
- gender
- joint restrictions
- temperature of muscle and training area
Stretching can facilitate flexibility. Stretching before and after a workout adds strength to the body, aids in the prevention of injury, and dramatically increases recovery time.
When a muscle is in a tightened position, the fibers of
the muscle are not able to contract fully. That means that in regular
exercise, the muscle is not being strengthened to it's fullest. Training
is slower and less efficient.
A tight muscle that is lacking flexibility also is at an
increased risk of injury which will end or restrict an athlete's training.
|
