Lesson 4 Self Assessment Flexibility
Lesson 4 Self Assessment Flexibility
FLEXIBILITY
BENEFITS OF FLEXIBILITY
1. Fewer injuries
2. Less pain
3. Improved posture and balance
4. A positive state of mind
5. Greater strength 6. Improved physical performance
a. Take a deep breath and slowly exhale as you gently stretch the muscle to
a point of tension
b. Hold the stretch for 15 to 30 seconds, relax and then repeat the stretch
two to four more times
e. Don’t strain or push a muscle too far. If a stretch hurts, ease up.
f. Don’t hold your breath during the stretch. Continue to breathe normally.
1. If you have less than adequate flexibility, you can increase your flexibility by
stretching the major muscle groups about three times a week.
2. Take five to 10 minutes to stretch in the morning after you get out of bed.
3. Do a variety of different cardio and strength training exercises (also called cross
training).
For example, a lunge exercise strengthens the quadriceps on one leg but lengthens
(stretches) the hip joint on the other. Different swimming strokes increase flexibility
in the upper back and torso. And walking strengthens the lower body but also
increases flexibility in the hip joint.