Be Flexible

A very important aspect of fitness that is often overlooked is flexibility. The flexibility portion of your workout helps to relax and rejuvanate your muscles which have worked so hard for you. This part of the workout can also help the mind and spirit to recover along with the body.

Flexibility training is best implemented after the cardio and strength portion of the workout. The muscles are warm and pliable and are more conducive to stretch to a new range of motion.

There are several benefits to flexibility training.
-Stress and tension in the muscles are reduced.
-Flexible muscles assist with posture
-Flexible muscles lessen the risk of injury both in exercise and in daily activities
-Flexibility can enhance performance of activity, daily and sport related.

This component of your workout should last from 5 to 10 minutes. Each muscle group should be stretched after working them. The length of time that each stretch should be maintained is from 10 to 30 seconds and they should be repeated 2 to 3 times. Be sure to work within your own limits. Never force or "bounce" a stretch. This could lead to injury. Be sure to breath with each stretch.

There are several resources available that give excellent examples of stretching or flexibility routines. The book titled "Stretching" by Bob Anderson is an excellent resource. I have mentioned the website http://onlinefit.com/ in an earlier entry. I find it to be another excellent resource for stretching with demonstrations of specific exercises for each muscle group. There are also several videos available. The Firm Power Yoga is an excellent program for flexibility. The moves are simple and easy to follow.

Your routine does not need to be complicated. Sometimes simple is better as long as the you are getting the results that you expect.

So get out there and be flexible!