Question

Write a detailed note on flexibility & stretching methods.

Answer 1

Flexibility is the range of motion in a joint or group of joints or the ability to move joints effectively through a complete range of motion. Flexibility training includes stretching exercises to lengthen the muscles and may include activities like yoga or Tai Chi. Improving your flexibility can help you move more comfortably throughout the day.

Flexibility Definition

You probably know what it means when someone says they are flexible. It usually means that they can reach down and touch their toes or bend deeply into a squat. But the definition of flexibility is more complicated than simply being able to do a single stretch.

According to the American Council on Exercise (ACE), flexibility is defined as "the range of motion of a given joint or group of joints or the level of tissue extensibility that a muscle group possesses." That means that each joint and each group of muscles in your body might have a different range of motion (ROM) or a different level of flexibility. Some areas of your body may be very tight, meaning that the muscles feel short and restricted. Some areas of your body may feel very loose and you may be able to lengthen and move those muscles freely.​

For example, you might be very flexible in the hamstrings, allowing you to bend over and touch your toes. But your thighs (quadriceps) muscles might be tight (inflexible) so it may be harder for you to stand up straight or bend backward.

Many people who work in an office all day develop inflexible hips as a result of sitting all day. This is one of the reasons that health experts recommend that you stand up and move for a few minutes every hour.

What Is Flexibility Training?

Stretching improves flexibility. But you don't have to do hours of stretching to enjoy the benefits of flexibility training. You can take a stretching class or do an online video that focuses just on stretching exercises to improve range of motion throughout the body. These programs generally begin with a gentle warm up to increase your body's core temperature. Then, they progress through a series of stretching exercises to lengthen the muscles in your feet, your legs, your hips and torso, and finally up through the head and neck.

There are different types of stretching to improve flexibility.

Static stretching. You move into a position that lengthens a target muscle and hold the position for 15-60 seconds. It's best to remember to breathe as you hold each stretch.

Dynamic stretching. You move in an out of a position that lengthens a target muscle. Dynamic stretches often involve a gentle bouncing movement and are sometimes called ballistic stretches.

Active isolated stretching (AIS). You move your joint through a complete range of motion, holding the endpoint only briefly, then return to the starting point and repeat. Many athletes and active exercisers use active isolated stretching to prevent injuries or muscle imbalance.

You don't have to take a dedicated class to do flexibility training. Many exercisers simply add a few minutes of stretching to the end of their daily workout to relax muscles and improve range of motion. Or you can take five to 10 minutes to stretch in the morning after you get out of bed. Just a few minutes of flexibility training each day can provide benefits.

Another way to improve flexibility is to do a variety of different cardio and strength training exercises (also called cross training). For example, a lunge exercise strengthens the quadriceps on one leg but lengthens (stretches) the hip joint on the other. Different swimming strokes increase flexibility in the upper back and torso. And walking strengthens the lower body but also increases flexibility in the hip joint.

A Word From Very well

Exercisers who include flexibility training as part of a balanced fitness program enjoy many benefits. Stretching exercises can help to decrease stress and improve the way your body moves and feels throughout the day. Improved flexibility can even lead to better posture. All of these benefits help you to move more often throughout the day and burn more calories. So if you're trying to lose weight, it's smart to include flexibility exercises in your weight loss program.

Answer 2

Answer:

flexibility is the maximum range of motion at a joint that is the extent

of movement possible about a joint without undue strain. flexibility is

not a general quality it is specific to a particular joint such as the knee or

a series of joints.

methods of flexibility

1. passive flexibility- passive flexibility is the ability of a joint to do movement with external help.
2. active flexibility- active flexibility is the ability of a joint to do movement without any external help.