Flexibility Principles 


Before you browse through my flexibility literature or create and/or follow one of the following programs described on this web site, I advise you to read through this introduction which sketches the basic principles of flexibility training. This will also help further your knowledge by outlining the basic foundation and fundamental purpose of flexibility training in general.

My definition of flexibility is described in the simple formula "Flex + Ability = Flexibility". Where as "Flex" is to bend or the resistance of breaking, and "Ability" is a skill or talent. Flexibility is basically the skill of controlling the range of motion and movement capacity of your physical structure. I have 4 good reasons why you should invest time in improving your flexibility.

My first reason is in regard to "Total Fitness" which includes: a custom anaerobic strength developing program, consistent aerobic/cardiovascular conditioning, and a balanced degree of flexibility. Flexibility completes the triumvirate of total fitness. A regular and progressive flexibility development program can greatly reduce the risk of trauma injuries or injuries related to the overextension of joints, muscles, or connective tissue. A flexibility development program improves neuromuscular coordination prior to a training session. And if performed immediately after this training session, will prevent soreness and promote a faster physical recovery. Engaging in flexibility related exercises optimizes the learning, practice, and execution of many types of skilled movements such as tricks.

The three types of flexibility are as follow:

Static Flexibility 
Dynamic Flexibility 
Active Flexibility 
Static stretching involves holding a stretch to the farthest possible point for an extended period of time. A good example of the pinnacle of static flexibility is any type of splits.

Dynamic stretching involves quick extensions of the limbs in a rebounding and rhythmic manner. An example of this type of flexibility is any type of high kick.

Active stretching involves the absence of assistance while simultaneously holding a limb using only your own muscles for support without the aid of any structure to a point past the average range of motion. An example of active flexibility is lifting and holding a kick out while standing in an upright position.

Increasing flexibility involves stretching and improving the current condition of your anatomical makeup. Stretching is a progressive system of exercises that increases the flexibility of joints, muscles, and connective tissues through pushing their range of motion to the limit in a controlled manner. Also maintaining a healthful diet rich in pure water daily will improve your muscle's and connective tissue's water ratio. This will stimulate an increases in the elasticity of these two body components.

Particular flexibility exercises correspond to certain types of flexibility. Earlier I discussed the 3 types of flexibility; static, dynamic, and active flexibility. Each type requires it's own matching series of stretches and exercises to improve in that area of flexibility. We will discuss more about which exercises are best for each type in the later parts included in my flexibility tutorial literature. You should now know what flexibility is, the importance of flexibility, what the three types of flexibility are, and what stretching is and how it improves flexibility.