An often-overlooked aspect of fitness, flexibility training, or stretching should be a major component of any workout. A truly strong body must be limber or its strength is neither healthy nor functional.
What we accomplish by stretching our tight muscles, tendons and ligaments is balance, and protection from injury due to overextending ourselves.
With Flexibility Training we're able to achieve a certain elasticity that is characteristic of youth. And as every firefighter that's participated in any stretching program knows, all those nasty sprains and strains are dramatically reduced.
Just in case you're still not convinced below are listed some more benefits of flexibility training:
1. Decreased risk of injury.
2. Increased physical efficiency and performance
3. Increased circulation
4. Increased neuromuscular coordination
5. Improved muscular balance and posture awareness
6. Decreased risk of low back pain
7. Reduced stress/ Stretching promotes physical and mental relaxation.
Alternate Leg Stretch
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1. Sit on your mat or padded carpet with the right leg out in front of you (knee straight) and the left leg bent, sole of your left foot resting on your inner thigh.
2. Exhale and reach up and then over your right leg with both arms as you hinge at the hips.
3. Keep your shoulders relaxed as you grasp the right leg with both hands and hold, feeling the stretch in the back of your right leg. Inhale and lean back to the starting position. Switch positions with the legs and repeat.
Hold Time: 15 to 30 seconds
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More:
• Strength Training
• How to Structure Your Workout
• Cardio Conditioning
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Related:
The Firefighter's Workout Book contains over 50 illustrated exercises and routines, including strength, aerobic and stretching programs for every level of fitness.
