FLEXIBILITY

Definition: Range of motion around a joint as determined by the elasticity of the muscles, ligaments, and tendons associated with the joint. Flexibility is an important health component and specific to each body area.

BENEFITS/IMPORTANCE OF FLEXIBILITY

    * Unlimited potential                    * Stress reduction

    * Freedom of movement              * Injury prevention

    * Enhances coordination              * Slims the body

    * Movements require less work    * Increases circulation

    * Disease prevention                   * Relaxes the body and mind

FACTORS AFFECTING FLEXIBILITY

      * Body type

      * Gender (Females usually have greater flexibility than males)

      * Age (Inactivity plays an important role)

      * Lifestyle (Poor posture/Extended sitting & standing/balance)

      * Injuries (Scar tissue)

FOLLOW-UP QUESTIONS:

1.) Select 3 benefits which you think are valuable for increasing your flexibility and describe why.

2.) Summarize what flexibility means to you.

3.) Discuss one factor that affects flexibility.