Flexibility - MidTerm Flashcards
Flexibility
The ability to move joints freely through their full range of motion
Being able to move, bend, and twist the joints easily and freely through their full range of motion (improves joint mobility, which can decline with disuse)
Static stretching
Stretching that slowly lengthens a muscle to a point where further movement is limited
A type of stretching that slowly stretches a muscle to the point where movement is limited; doing this and holding it for about 20-30 seconds and repeating it 3-4 times helps improve flexibility; you should not stretch past a point of mild discomfort
Dynamic stretching
Stretching that involves moving the joints through the full range of motion to mimic a movement used in a sport or exercise
A type of stretching that copies the movements done in exercises and sports; this helps prepare and improve your joints for a particular activity; should be done 10-12 times
Ballistic stretching
A type of stretch that involves sudden and forceful bouncing to stretch the muscles
Stretching with sudden and forceful bounces; it’s best used after exercises but can be dangerous and can cause injuries; mostly helpful to athletes who are used to the same motions; it can trigger the stretch reflex
Proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF)
A series of movements combining stretching with alternating contraction and relaxation of muscles
Mostly used in rehabilitation settings, can be active or passive, and can be completed alone, with a partner, or with equipment