Flexibility is not the most obvious part of fitness training but it is extremely important.  It means that movement is easier and the body is less likely to experience injury.

Flexibility training can improve performance in almost every area of sport.

A flexible tennis player reaches more effortlessly for the difficult shot, an older golfer can sink the putt or a fair weather skier master the black run.  Different sports make different demands on the body, and flexibility training will ensure that your body reacts well to the stresses and strains put on it when you do the sport you most enjoy.

Naturally flexible or not

Gymnastics, yoga and – yes! – limbo dancing are three activities where flexibility is vital.  If you are drawn to these activities you are probably naturally flexible.  But we are not all born equal in the flexibility stakes, and if you are not naturally flexible, don’t worry!

I include myself in the ranks of those who are not naturally flexible, so I know about the importance of flexibility training.  As a keen cyclist and tennis player I know that flexibility is most important and have to work hard to make improvements.  My flexibility training helps me pound the bike or run from the baseline to the net at a second’s notice.  The combination of movement and stretching is the key to increased flexibility.

Like strength training my flexibility programme involves taking movements beyond what is normally asked of them.  Slowly and gently we increase the range of movement in different parts of the body.  Even if it seems like a constant battle, you will feel the benefit of becoming increasingly supple.

When I work with clients we usually do some initial flexibility tests to discover where the weak areas are.  Your fitness and health goals will indicate the range and depth of your flexibility training needed.  We then work on stretches of various types and duration to improve your flexibility.  Stretching is in itself a very enjoyable part of your fitness training, and brings great benefits in terms of ease of movement and of course, a reduction in the risk of injury.