Is Being Flexible Important?

Do you stretch before and after you exercise? Stretching to key to keeping your body limber and flexible. Flexibility is very important and should not be overlooked. If you are not flexible, your ability to exercise and perform everyday tasks can become limited. While it is not necessary to be a contortionist, having a flexible body is very important for your everyday life.

In the pursuit of fitness, most people allow stretching to be an afterthought compared to their other goals. This is because being flexible does not hold the same immediate benefits as it does running or lifting weights. Even though flexibility does not hold much immediate value, there are still many important benefits that you get from stretching. These benefits include reduced risk of muscle and joint injuries, fewer daily aches and pains, improved posture, and better workout form. All this can happen by dedicating a few minutes to stretching before and after you exercise.

The best part about flexibility is that you do not have to be super flexible to gain the benefits of flexibility. You just have to be flexible enough to support your lifestyle and goals. If you lift weights or go for a run every day, doing a little bit of stretching will help you in the long run. Common exercises like these do require some form of flexibility or you might be hurting the next day or so. If you do not stretch, your muscles begin to tighten, and this puts you at a higher risk for injury during movement. Without stretching your ability to exercise and completing regular daily tasks can become limited.

Being somewhat flexible is all you need. You do not have to bend yourself into a human pretzel, but you should be limber enough to prevent any injuries. Practicing basic stretches daily will help combat the dangers of being inflexible.

For more information on the importance of a flexible body, click here.

Article written by William Graves.