Posted on December 17, 2007 in Good Health
Stretching forms an important part of physical routine in form of warm ups and cool downs. Flexibility is defined as “static maximum range of motion available about a joint.” The key role of flexibility is in development of range-of-motion exercises as a part of technical development and preparation. The joints are well managed and the chances of injury are reduced.
Types of Flexibility Exercises
Various types of stretching exercises are-
- Static Stretching-The body is stretched gradually and is held for couple of secs. The time duration depends lies on the purpose of stretching. For improving the range-of-motion it is more while for simple cool down it is as low as 10 secs.
- Ballistic Stretching- The limb or the body is pushed with a force to elongate it ahead of its range-of-motion. The limb makes use of momentum to the maximum possible extent.
- Dynamic Stretching- The arms and legs are stretched with gentle swings within the range-of-motion of the body. The movements are slow in the beginning with repetitions then the speed gradually perks up.
- Isometric Stretching- Muscle resistance is developed by isometric contraction of muscles.
- Active Stretching- Stretching in the position assumed is held for a larger duration of time without any assistance.
- Passive Stretching- In this kind of stretching the help of props or some other assistance is taken for improving flexibility.
- Assisted Stretching- The assistance of partner is taken. There has to be mutual understanding and cooperation among both or else the possibilities of injuries are high. They are also known as partner stretches, PNF technique is the advanced form of this kind of stretching exercises.
These stretches in various combination works excellently to improve flexibility. Stretches are meant not only for flexibility but also for prevention of injury and its treatment. The other advantages are speedy recovery and improvement in athletic performance. There is increase in flexibility of neck, shoulders and upper back. The respiratory system and functioning also enhances along with the increase in flow in the muscles.
Tips for Improving Flexibility-
- Stretch should be done after a warm up session or after endurance and strength exercises. The warm ups make the muscles, tendons and ligaments more flexible making stretches easier.
- Stretches should be done gently and gradually without jerky or bouncy movements. Bouncing acts in a reverse way on the muscles.
- While stretching a gentle hauling sense is experienced on the muscle, which has to be held for 20-30 secs. Never push too hard to the point of pain. Perform in sets of 3-5 to get the maximum advantage of it.
- Always start from the top i.e. the neck and gradually come down to the feet. The injured areas can be treated by application of cold packs.
- In case of any problems of neck, back or joint related problems seek the advise of the doctor.
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September 2nd, 2008 at 3:12 pm
comparative study between active warm up versus passive warm up in increasing flexibility
February 23rd, 2009 at 3:09 am
exercises to improve flexibility. or so the title said. THE ONLY INFORMATION i recieved from this link was knowledge of different types of stretches but not the stretches themselves. I was here to find an answer not another half fast excuse for one.