Just how flexible are you? No, I’m not asking about you ability to adapt to new situations (that’s the subject of another post to be) but rather your ability to touch your toes or lift your leg without pulling a muscle. Seems like a strange question, but life is more fun when you are healthy and in shape. Flexibility is a key component of overall health. Exercise is easier and you have a lower risk of injury. I am probably as guilty as many of you when it comes to a lack of flexibility. In fact, my lack of flexibility probably contributed to my recent injury.
I have committed to becoming more flexible this year and so far I am doing OK but I have a ways to go. Stretching is something that takes time, you can’t improve a lot overnight. But, if you work at it on a regular basis you will see definite improvement. So, how do you get started? Well, there are plenty of resources available to you on the internet. This site is a good place to start, along with the Wiki Page on stretching. If you are a fan of the “Dummies” books, as I am, they have one for stretching.
You don’t have to spend hours each day stretching in order to get the benefits. As little as five to ten minutes can make a big difference. If you exercise, make stretching a regular part of your warm-up and cool-down. Your risk of injury will be cut down and your performance will increase. Even if you are not a workout fiend you can benefit from regular stretching. You will be able to perform regular day-to-day activities with less stress and strain.
So, put on some workout clothes, load up your Ipod, or, if you want to see the original “Rubberband Man”, watch this video of the Spinners on Burt Sugarman’s Midnight Special from 1976 and start stretching!