Factors Affecting Flexibility
Flexibility training is broadly accepted as a way to increase joint mobility. The goal of stretching is to optimize joint mobility while maintaining joint stability. Although research has shown that different stretching methods will improve joint flexibility, it should be noted that inappropriate stretching can cause injury. The total range of motion around a joint is highly specific and varies from one joint to another hip, trunk, shoulder etc... as well as from one individual to the next. Muscular flexibility relates primarily to genetic factors. A regular stretching program helps maintain range of motion around a joint and can help improve it as well.
Stretching is to extend or lengthen your body or limb and helps you to develop and maintain a healthy level of flexibility, which refers to the range of movement at any particular joint. Stretching is also referred to as flexibility training. Examples of stretches include: calf stretch, hamstring stretch, triceps stretch, and certain yoga poses and Pilates exercises.
Activity or inactivity also plays a part in one's flexibility. People who are inactive lose flexibility due to the soft tissues and joints shrinking and losing extensibility. When an individual is not active, the muscles are maintained in a shortened position and more likely to stay that way. Changes in muscle temperature can increase or decrease flexibility, and people use warm muscle experiences for a better and more lasting response to stretching than a cold muscle. For best results, include stretches after every training session regardless of whether it is an aerobic or weight training workout, and aerobic activities raise body temperature facilitating plastic elongation. The range of motion around a given joint depends mostly on the structure of that joint, and greater range of motion can be attained through Plastic and Elastic elongation. Plastic elongation is the permanent lengthening of soft tissue even though joint capsules, ligaments, and tendons are basically non elastic, but they can undergo plastic elongation. Elastic elongation is the temporary lengthening of soft tissue such as, muscle tissue has elastic properties and responds to stretching exercises by undergoing elastic or temporary lengthening. Gender can be considered a factor in flexibility as well because women are more flexible than males, and they seem to retain this advantage throughout life. It is thought that this is due to a hormonal effect, and males have higher levels of testosterone which can lead to muscle growth and shortening especially the spectrums. Women have higher levels of estrogen which promotes muscle lengthening and joint laxity, and this is why women who are pregnant become more flexible. The body releases high amounts of estrogen that allows the joints to become lax, women need that laxity also in order for the pelvis to widen to give birth. This hormone does affect other joints in the body which is why it's crucial for women who are pregnant and after pregnancy just to be careful in how they perform certain stretches. Finally, injury to muscle tissue and tight skin from excessive scar tissue negatively affect range of motion.
http://www.sport-fitness-advisor.com/flexibility.html
Stretching is to extend or lengthen your body or limb and helps you to develop and maintain a healthy level of flexibility, which refers to the range of movement at any particular joint. Stretching is also referred to as flexibility training. Examples of stretches include: calf stretch, hamstring stretch, triceps stretch, and certain yoga poses and Pilates exercises.
Activity or inactivity also plays a part in one's flexibility. People who are inactive lose flexibility due to the soft tissues and joints shrinking and losing extensibility. When an individual is not active, the muscles are maintained in a shortened position and more likely to stay that way. Changes in muscle temperature can increase or decrease flexibility, and people use warm muscle experiences for a better and more lasting response to stretching than a cold muscle. For best results, include stretches after every training session regardless of whether it is an aerobic or weight training workout, and aerobic activities raise body temperature facilitating plastic elongation. The range of motion around a given joint depends mostly on the structure of that joint, and greater range of motion can be attained through Plastic and Elastic elongation. Plastic elongation is the permanent lengthening of soft tissue even though joint capsules, ligaments, and tendons are basically non elastic, but they can undergo plastic elongation. Elastic elongation is the temporary lengthening of soft tissue such as, muscle tissue has elastic properties and responds to stretching exercises by undergoing elastic or temporary lengthening. Gender can be considered a factor in flexibility as well because women are more flexible than males, and they seem to retain this advantage throughout life. It is thought that this is due to a hormonal effect, and males have higher levels of testosterone which can lead to muscle growth and shortening especially the spectrums. Women have higher levels of estrogen which promotes muscle lengthening and joint laxity, and this is why women who are pregnant become more flexible. The body releases high amounts of estrogen that allows the joints to become lax, women need that laxity also in order for the pelvis to widen to give birth. This hormone does affect other joints in the body which is why it's crucial for women who are pregnant and after pregnancy just to be careful in how they perform certain stretches. Finally, injury to muscle tissue and tight skin from excessive scar tissue negatively affect range of motion.
http://www.sport-fitness-advisor.com/flexibility.html