There is still a large deal of confusion with respect to flexibility training in terms of its scientific groundwork. Much of the misinterpretation stems from the notion that people must achieve great levels of flexibility with the aim of lessening the incidence of injury, and to improve movement aptitudes. This does not suitably represent the role that flexibility plays in training. Flexibility is a key part of the training mystery; but, like other facets of exercise, it must be founded on the requirements of the individual. A sensible starting point for relieving some of the confusion is to consider the descriptions of flexibility. In accord with the most common meaning, it is the range of motion of a joint or a series of joints. Conceivably a more pertinent definition (to training) may be the capacity of a joint to move liberally through the complete range of motion (ROM).
Expanding flexibility is an important aspect of any training programme. Accomplishing optimum flexibility helps eliminate inflexible and inefficient movement by allowing joints to move freely though a complete ROM, and it may also offer increased opposition to injury. Refining flexibility is a necessary element because ROM may enhance the ability to execute various movement skills, predominantly those that entail a high level of flexibility (like perhaps serving a tennis ball). The ability to move capably hinges on strength with coordination, and being supple can complement this skill. The aim of flexibility training is not to get to a point at which the individual has no joint sturdiness, but rather to get to the point that one can better control his or her actions.
Flexibility training is also indispensable in injury avoidance. Among the more common problems seen in individuals with reduced flexibility is lower back pain, quite likely resulting from restrained quadriceps, hips, and back musculature (and plausibly a consistent weakness in the abdominal musculature and hamstrings). The absence of flexibility may also increase the incidence of muscle tears resulting from tight muscles on one or both sides of a joint. The accepted role concerning the role of flexibility in injury prevention is that a typical ROM (i.e., the ROM shared by most individuals) in each joint will cut the chance for injury. Therefore, flexibility training is an important asset to your training routine because of the role that it plays in refining movement and reducing the prospect for injury.
