Why is it Important for Athletes to be Flexible?
We’ve all heard that stretching increases flexibility. However, when we are competing and training, it's often difficult to comprehend the benefits of being flexible. This area of performance is often neglected, but we're here to explain why it shouldn't be!
Why do our athletes need to be flexible anyways?
Flexibility allows us to complete every day activities with ease, which declines as we age. Starting habits early is essential to life-long health.
Flexibility training increases joint mobility, good posture, improves balance, and decreases back pain.
Increased flexibility can improve aerobic fitness training.
Increased flexibility can improve muscular strength, endurance, and sport specific training.
Greater flexibility decreases risk of injury.
Flexibility training decreases soreness and stiffness in the muscles.
Flexibility training is a form of relaxation which is often necessary in the busy lives of athletes.
If we want to be at our highest performance level, we need to be able to use the full length of our muscles in order to maximize full power and strength. If our muscles are not lengthened as they should be, athletes are not able to provide the explosive motions needed for various sport-specific movements.
We want you to get a leg up on your competitors. Implement some stretching into your weekly routines and you’re going to see the results.
Sources
1.https://www.acefitness.org/education-and-resources/professional/expert-articles/5598/the-impact-of-flexibility-training-on-performance/