Benefits of Good Flexibility

James finally retired; now, he can spend all the time he wants woodworking in his shop. However, his daily tasks like getting up from his chair, bending down, or going to one knee to pick something up were becoming increasingly difficult. The benefits of good flexibility were fading as his concern was growing!

Sound Familiar? 

Good flexibility usually diminishes with time. Aging causes a natural loss of flexibility due to various forms of degeneration in our bodies. There are many reasons for the loss of flexibility, one being that as we age, we do less in our daily activities, leading to the loss of muscle tone.

Training James (Age 68) for the first six months enabled him to reach his strength goal. However, it was necessary to change his routine so he could enjoy some of the benefits of good flexibility.

Simply put, flexibility means that your joints can move through their full range of motion without causing pain or discomfort. Without flexibility, everyday movements become not only arduous but downright painful!

OK, you are not twenty years old anymore; you have injuries that may be permanent; it’s challenging to move, but how flexible can you become if you put some effort into a routine?

Why should you bother? Why is flexibility necessary as we age?

James wanted to be free of pain so he could enjoy what he loved doing. He was spending time alone in his woodshop, and the last thing he wanted was to lose his balance and fall.

His determination to stay independent and maintain his freedom would reduce his concern about depending on someone else to care for him. He has vowed never to be a resident in an assisted living facility. Good flexibility would most certainly help to decrease his stress level.  

The first change we made was incorporating flexibility movements into his strength routine; the second change was a routine that was centered entirely around his flexibility.

James Goals:

1 – Improve flexibility.

2 – Freedom from Pain.

3 – Avoid falling.

4 – Stay Independent

5 – Decrease stress level.

The mission is underway! Besides enjoying the benefits of good flexibility, James is enjoying many other advantages! His posture has improved; he has a more positive state of mind, improved workouts, and a more youthful appearance!

How to Develop the Benefits of Good Flexibility

1 – Have an assessment: You can do this by seeing a professional or at least have a good understanding of what dysfunctions you are experiencing. For example, my right shoulder is higher than my left and may always be this way. This dysfunction I’ve developed compensates for permanent injuries to my lower back.    

2 – Listen and understand your own body: Dysfunction somewhere in your body causes you to compensate with abnormal movements. For example, you could be limping on your right leg because of a dysfunctional left hip.

3 – Decide to Change: Changing your mind about how and what you want to do is the process that prepares you for doing something new. 

4 – Take action: The benefits of good flexibility are goals that are accomplished. This means showing up and doing what is necessary to improve yourself. Many people fail at this point. Usually, it’s an excuse that is justified for a personal reason to stay sedentary.  

5 – Stay Consistent: We can plan a program, but events get in the way. Such is life, and this happens to everyone. Success comes from returning to the routine as soon as possible after this event. The truth is that most people don’t return to their program and accept the results.

6 - Hire a Professional: I’ve been training James for years. His belief and comments are as follows: “Aside from your inspirational techniques, your value is the fact that I have to pay you, show up and do the work.” This is the key to a successful program. 

7 – Plan the right Program: To make the right changes, for the right reasons, ask a professional for help. If you can create your program on your own, begin today. Make time to stretch! Set a goal; for example, keep it simple and find ten minutes. You could try it on your lunch break.

In conclusion, it is a fact that the benefits of good flexibility include an improvement in your posture, which will undoubtedly decrease your pain level, decrease your chances of falling, keep you independent much longer than if you stayed sedentary, and, best of all, lower your stress level and make you feel incredible!

READ MY RESUME HERE