Monarch Quick-Fit Program

Flexibility

Flexibility is the ability to move a joint through a complete range of motion. Flexibility is very important because it allows you to perform the activities of daily living. As you age your muscles tighten and your range or motion in a joint can be minimized, which can put a halt to active lifestyles and even day-to-day activities.

The benefits of stretching include:

• It relaxes your mind and tunes up your body
• It preserves your joint’s range of motion
• It maintains and increases flexibility
• It helps prevent injury during exercise
• It prepares the muscles for more vigorous activity
• It helps you develop body awareness
• It promotes blood circulation

Make sure you stretch:

• Before and after performing cardiovascular exercise
• Between each set of weight training exercises
• When your muscles are sore following a workout

Hold each stretch for:

• 15-30 seconds
• During each stretch breath deeply
• When exhaling see if you can stretch a little further
• Stretch until you feel mild discomfort