1. Improved Performance, Decreased Injury Risk
A safe and effective flexibility training program increases physical performance. A flexible joint greatly decreases your risk of injury--it has the ability to move through a greater range of motion and requires less energy to do so. Stretching decreases resistance in tissue structures; you are, therefore, less likely to become injured by exceeding tissue extensibility (maximum range of tissues) during activity.
2. Reduced Muscle Soreness
Recent studies show that slow, static stretching helps reduce muscle soreness after exercise. Static stretching involves a slow, gradual and controlled elongation of the muscle through the full range of motion, held for 15-30 seconds, in the furthest comfortable position (without pain).
3. Improved Posture
Stretching also improves muscular balance and posture. Many people's soft-tissue structures have adapted poorly to either the effects of gravity or poor postural habits. Stretching can help realign soft tissue structures, thus reducing the effort it takes to achieve and maintain good posture in the activities of daily living.
4. Reduced Risk of Low Back Pain
Stretching reduces the risk of low Back pain by promoting muscular relaxation. A muscle in constant contraction requires more energy to accomplish activities. Flexibility in the hamstrings, hip flexors, quadriceps, and other muscles attaching to the pelvis reduces stress to the low back. Stretching causes muscular relaxation, which results in reduction of accumulated toxins, less muscle shortening or tightening, and less fatigue.
5. Increased Blood and Nutrients to Tissues
Another great benefit: stretching increases blood supply and nutrients to joint structures. Stretching increases tissue temperature, which in turn increases circulation and nutrient transport. This allows greater elasticity of surrounding tissues and increases performance. Stretching also increases joint synovial fluid, which is a lubricating fluid that promotes the transport of more nutrients to the joints' articular cartilage. This allows a greater range of motion and reduces joint degeneration.
6. Improved Muscle Coordination
Another little-known benefit of stretching is increased neuromuscular coordination. Studies show that nerve-impulse velocity (the time it takes an impulse to travel to the brain and back) is improved with stretching. This helps opposing muscle groups work in a more synergistic, coordinated fashion.
7. Enhanced Enjoyment of Physical Activities
Flexibility training also means enhanced enjoyment--a fitness program should be fun if you want to stick with it. Not only does stretching decrease muscle soreness and increase performance, it also helps relax both mind and body, bringing a heightened sense of well-being and personal gratification during exercise.
being flexible attracts the male species.
it is also useful for dancing!
The benefits of being flexible are; you having a better chance at Gymnastics. I personally, hate people who are flexible and who show off to other people that they can do the splits, and other unnecessary tricks. I did Gymnastics last year, and I wanted to go to comp, but I couldn't because, I could not do the splits, 10 chin-ups, or a hip-pullover because I was just using my arms for hand springs.
Primarily the hamstrings and quadriceps.
I think back. if not, hamstrings are a little lower, so back.
Hamstrings
Yes a good athlete but shes not nice.
None. It purely checks the flexibility of ones hamstrings.
the athlete is awesome
The only way to stretch your hamstrings and keep them that way is to stretch them as much as possible and then immediately do exercises involving your thighs. (Climbing stairs etc.)
Well Muscular flexibility is important because if you stretch you muscles,as an athlete, you will be able to run faster jump higher and such, and as of joint stababilty, you need good joint stability so if you move in an unorthodox way your joints will not roll or turn or event shatter/
Her flexibility was uncanny in nature to mine.
The objectivity of the sit and reach test is to monitor the development of an athlete's lower back and hamstring flexibility.
The muscles in your upper thigh is called Hamstrings. Hamstrings are one of the strongest muscles in our body. They can also stand high tension that's why it takes long to fatigue those muscles. Good exercise specially squats can help make hamstrings strong.
Yes, hamstrings are used for soccer!