The Importance of Flexibility As We Age

Flexibility refers to the range of motion in joints that helps to stretch the muscle fibers, which come in contact with the joints. However, as we age, our muscles naturally lose strength and size. Consequently, they may become less flexible.

Today, we explore the effects of inflexibility and the importance of being flexible as you age.

“Flexibility is an integral component

of fitness, which has proven to be

exceptionally beneficial to people’s

lives, especially as they age.”

What are the Effects of Inflexibility?

Reduced flexibility can impinge on the range of movement in your joints, which may result in muscles and joint stiffness. Physical inactivity is one of the major reasons why muscles lose their natural elasticity and flexibility. This loss can make them prone to aches, pains, and tears.

If not treated in time, the inflexibility may result in irreversible changes in posture as well as abnormal muscle function. While there are medical procedures, such as Venous Stent, which can help address such conditions, it’s imperative that you maintain physical flexibility.

What are the Benefits of Flexibility?

Here are 5 of the most significant benefits of being flexible:

1.Improved Posture

Flexibility exercises, just like muscle training, are effective in helping the body maintain proper posture. Namely, stretching your muscles keeps them properly aligned.

Moreover, research has revealed that static stretching can soothe muscle soreness after exercise. The slow, gradual movements entail a controlled stretching of the muscle through its entire range of motion. Then, it’s held for about half a minute in the farthest position that you can hold it without feeling pain.

This kind of stretching serves to improve your muscular balance as well as resting posture.

2.Reduced Risk of Injury

By undertaking an effective flexibility training program, you will be able to boost your physical performance and lower your risk of injury. With an improved range of motion, your body will need a lower amount of energy to undertake the same movements. Likewise, you’ll have more flexible joints, hence reducing the chances of getting injuries during exercises, or other occasions.

3.Improved Flow of Blood and Nutrients to Soft Tissues

Flexibility enhances the supply of blood to muscle tissues. Likewise, it improves the delivery of essential nutrients to all areas of the body via the blood stream.

What’s more, it increases joint synovial fluid, which promotes nutrient transportation to your joints. Consequently, you will have a better range of motion, reduced joint pain, as well as lower risk of joint damage.

4.Improved Performance

Flexibility is an equal-opportunity performance booster, which benefits everyone, especially athletes. Namely, without good flexibility, athletes will neither demonstrate the best motor control nor the ability to recruit muscle fibers optimally. Both are essential for reactive activities that are common in sports, including:

• Sprinting
• Agility
• Cutting
• Change of direction

In fact, the more balanced your body is, the better your performance will be.

5.Improved Overall Health and Vitality

By maintaining flexibility through any kind of exercise, you will experience:

• Reduced pain
• Less muscle soreness
• Improved movement
• Better physical performance

Practicing stretching exercises such as Yoga will also help your muscles and mind. In fact, the feeling of vitality and well-being you will experience due to regular flexibility training can deliver numerous great health benefits.

Final Thoughts

Many of us tend to disregard the significance of regular stretching. We do this oblivious of the fact that flexibility is an integral component of fitness, which has proven to be exceptionally beneficial to people’s lives, especially as they age. Therefore, you should start focusing on maintaining flexibility to improve your health and well-being.

How flexible are you?

What are you doing to maintain flexibility?

Share your thoughts and comments with us.