First of all, what exactly is flexibility? When you hear the word flexibility, you probably think of a contortionist or gymnast, but the technical definition is the ability to move joints through their full range of motion. However, even though many sports require great flexibility at the highest levels, you may think that flexibility doesn't apply to you, but that's not true! If this is true, what exactly is the impact of flexibility in your life? Whatever you do in your life has, is, and will continue to force your muscles to work. Let's consider a simple analogy, like a rubber band. When you stretch a rubber band, you need to release it before it can fully extend again. The joints and muscles of the body work similarly. Now let's look at your personal experiences. Think of one of your least favorite workouts that left you sore for days! During periods of high intensity, such as workouts, microscopic tears begin to form in the muscles, causing pain. After these tears begin to heal, your muscles widen and strengthen, but they also tighten, bringing you ever closer to a serious injury that could stay with you for life. For women who have gone through puberty, it can help relieve some of the pain that comes with the monthly menstruation cycle, and for anyone who suffers from joint pain, stretching can prevent future, and possibly chronic (recurring) pain. Stretching also lengthens and revitalizes your muscles, helping you feel relaxed, energetic, and ready to take on life's challenges. Whether you're a professional athlete training for hours on end, or a retiree taking neighborhood walks, stretching is vital to your health! Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on "Why Violent Video Games Shouldn't Be Banned"? Get an Original Essay Now, there are many different types of stretching and each has its own benefits! Static stretching is a method that involves holding the stretching position for a period of between 10 and 30 seconds, and is generally considered the safest method, as well as the most beneficial for those who suffer from chronic joint pain (provided you do not push yourself too hard). Dynamic stretching, as the name suggests, involves a lot of movement, more specifically, to rotate or twist certain portions/muscles to reach full movement potential. The next stretching method is known as ballistic stretching and requires “bouncing,” often varying from one position to another or simply bouncing in or out of a position. This is thought to be riskier, particularly for those with previous/current joint pain. It is often used by elite level athletes whose sports are related to these movements. On the other hand, passive stretching does not require much movement on the part of the stretcher himself, since he is assisted by another person, be it a trainer or a friend. While normally safe, it can cause injuries such as muscle strains/tears if assistance pushes the stretcher beyond its limit of flexibility. Finally we have PNF stretching (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation). It is commonly considered the best practice for increasing flexibility and involves contracting a muscle immediately beforehand to achieve a greater stretch. Overall, having flexibility is key to sustaining long-term fitness and prevents many different types of muscle, joint, and bone injuries. Stretching revitalizes muscles and rejuvenates the mind, progressively lengthening and strengthening affected joints and muscles. Works Cited Anderson, B., & Burke, D.T. (2019).. (2014)..