The textbook definition of flexibility is muscle suppleness about a joint or range of motion around a joint. Flexibility is specific to a joint therefore, if I can bend forward and touch my toes it means I have flexibility through the hamstrings, it does not tell me about the flexibility in my shoulders.

Flexibility is dictated by our age, bone shape, joint stability and the presence of diseases. As we become older we lose the elasticity in our tissue which often leads to a decrease in range of motion which can impact a person’s quality of life. The loss of flexibility can be limited by adopting a stretching regimen. 

The protocol of a flexibility program is listed below:

Safety Tips regarding flexibility training:

• •Hold the stretches; DO NOT bounce (ballistic movement). Ballistic stretching is a rapid bounce that can cause the muscle to contract and potentially cause an injury. This type of stretching is usually performed in dance and training athletes for explosive movements. 
• Be sure the body is warm
• Move into the stretches slowly
• Do not force the movement beyond it's natural range of motion

Pictures (Soon to come, please check back)

 

Please visit CSUN & You @ Half Dome for stretches that can be done at home or work.