A balanced fitness program includes flexibility, muscular strength and endurance and aerobic fitness. Flexibility is the range of motion possible about a joint or series of joints. Flexibility is specific to each joint in the body and is influenced by the ligaments, muscles and tendons that surround the joint.
There are two types of flexibility:
Static flexibility is the total range of motion of a particular joint. Static (controlled) stretching is the preferable way to safely and effectively improve flexibility. Static stretching involves slow, gradual movement through the range of motion, and holding the position for 10 to 15 seconds before relaxing.
Dynamic flexibility is the ease with which a joint moves through its range of motion.
