The importance of flexibility. Flexibility can be described as the ability to move a joint through its complete range of motion. ROM ( range of motion) of a joint is dictated by the extensibility of the soft tissues surrounding it. An important factor to remember is that soft tissue will only achieve efficient extensibility if optimal control is used throughout the movement through the entire (ROM)

Muscular imbalances occur when some of the muscles surrounding the joints are overactive and other muscles become under active. Some causes of muscular imbalances are

. Postural stress
. Emotional duress
. Repetitive movements
. Cumulative trauma
. Poor training technique

 It should be a cornerstone of any training program to adrees these imbalances and correct them. To have your body running at its optimal level. Myofascial release or " foam rolling" has become a popular technique over the last couple years. This is basically applying gentle force to an adhesion or knot trying to lengthen the muscle fibers to the original length. Other popular forms of stretching are Static stretching which is the process of taking a muscle to the point of tension and holding it for a minimum of 30 seconds. Active isolated stretching is the process of agonist and synergistic motions to dynamically move the joint into the (ROM) Dynamic stretches are usually done with athletes when the active extension of a muscle using force production and momentum to move the joint thru it's whole (ROM) Flexibility training is important for several reasons

. Correcting muscular imbalances
. Increasing joint range of motion
. Relieving joint stress
. Maintaining normal functions and length of all muscles
. Improving neuromuscular efficientcy
. Improving function


Don't forget to stretch!!)


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