Understanding Flexibility Training: Benefits, Types, and Mechanics
Flexibility training is the practice of enhancing the ability of joints to move freely, essential for improved physical performance and reduced injury risk. It involves stretching muscles to elongate them and may include both dynamic and static stretching techniques. Regular flexibility training promotes better posture, muscular balance, and can help manage stress, ultimately leading to an enhanced quality of life. This educational guide aims to inform about the basic mechanics of stretching, its benefits, and factors influencing flexibility, making it ideal for students and fitness enthusiasts alike.
Understanding Flexibility Training: Benefits, Types, and Mechanics
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Presentation Transcript
Exercise Science Flexibility Training
Flexibility Training Flexibility – A joints ability to move freely in every direction or more specifically, through a full and normal range of motion Flexibility – “ It is how stretchy, you are!!” 3rd Grader Curry Elementary School Tempe, Arizona
Flexibility Training Benefits of Normal, Proper Flexibility • Decreased risk of injury (musculoskeletal) • Increased Physical efficiency/performance • Improve stress management • Decreased risk of low-back pain • Improved muscular balance and posture • Improved proprioception • Enhanced quality of life
Flexibility Training How does one improve ones Flexibility?? Stretch!!! Stretching: The process of attempting to elongate the muscle in question. Stretching will always lengthening the muscle…opposite of contracting process.
Flexibility Training Musculoskeletal Components Affected • Muscle Bellies • Tendons(at the origin and insertion points) • Ligaments (on occasion)
Flexibility Training Basic Mechanics of Stretching • Stretch Reflex(initial response, muscle spindle) • Reciprocal Inhibition • Autogenic Inhibition (self preservation, last line of defense Golgi Tendon Organ)
Flexibility Training • Stretch Reflex(initial response, muscle spindle )
Flexibility Training • Reciprocal Inhibition
Flexibility Training • Autogenic Inhibition (self preservation, last line of defense Golgi Tendon Organ)
Flexibility Training Types of Stretching • Dynamic: pre-activity • Static: post-activity
Flexibility Training Dynamic Stretching • Pre-Activity • Regains current ROM • Prepares muscles for more vigorous activity • Activates neuromuscular connection • Increase heart rate (decreases muscular viscosity)
Flexibility Training Dynamic Stretching
Flexibility Training Static Stretching • No Movement (hold) • Post-Activity • Elongate Muscle (increase flexibility) • Relaxing • Art Form
Flexibility Training Static Stretching
Flexibility Training Factors Affecting Flexibility • Age (declines with age) • Inactivity (improves w/ activity) • Dehydration • Gender (?) • Body Type (?) • Strength &/or Size of Muscles (?)
Flexibility Training Homework Assignment