FLEXIBILITY….

How it changes as we age and How Pilates is an important element in maintaining our flexibility throughout the ENTIRE body

Feeling stiff and sore? Do you find it is harder to touch your toes? Put on your shoes? Scratch you back?

Well, that could be an indication that you are losing your flexibility. There are 4 main components to a healthy, strong body:

1. Aerobic conditioning
2. Strength
3. Balance
4. Flexibility

 

Flexibility is one of the most forgotten component. We often work to get in our cardio (aerobic conditioning), strength and even our balance. However, we usually spend only 5% of our workout time stretching and trying to improve flexibility. And that lack of time stretching can oftentimes catch up with us.

What is flexibility….Flexibility is the measure of range of motion around a joint. 

According to www.flexibility.com….

“Flexible joints require less energy to move through a greater range of motion. This decreases your overall risk of injury and increases physical performance as well. Stretching works towards decreasing resistance in muscle tissue during any activity. Helps increase blood blood and nutrients to tissues.”

Causes of losing flexibility as we get older:

1. Ligaments tend to shorten
2. Muscles tend to become weaker
3. Joints begin to show arthritic changes (wearing and tearing).

 

All these factors tend to decrease flexibility.

Problems caused by a loss of flexibility…..

1. Less strength in our muscles because they are working from a shortened or contracted state.
2. Increased pressure around a joint, leading to pain and arthritic changes to the joints.
3. Altered ability to functionally move…when we are stiff, we get out of the chair differently, walk the stairs more “stiff legged” and avoid other activities we would normally do because we are “stiff” and it is not comfortable to move.

 

To increase flexibility as we should incorporate balance and flexibility exercises DAILY.

SO…..HOW DO YOU REGAIN OR MAINTAIN FLEXIBILITY? 

Many people think that yoga is the best way to improve flexibility. I would agree it is a great method of exercise that promotes flexibility. However, have you ever considered Pilates? The main purpose of Pilates is not just core strength and posture awareness, but it is a great method of movement to improve functional flexibility throughout the ENTIRE body.

Pilates is known for it’s ability to improve your ability to gain lean long muscles, but it is also a great method for gaining or maintaining flexibility in all the muscles of the body.

So don’t delay! ABS Pilates of Sunbury, Ohio offers all levels of Pilates classes and private/semi-private sessions to meet all of your flexibility and strength needs. ABS Pilates services the central Ohio area including but not limited to Sunbury, Columbus, Gahanna, New Albany, Delaware and Westerville.  All classes and sessions are lead by Amanda B. Smith, licensed physical therapist, certified McKenzie therapist and certified Pilates instructor with more than 25 years of experience.

Contact us today and feel loser tomorrow!

Joseph Pilates was once quoted, “True flexibility can be achieved only when all the muscles are uniformly developed”.