The first of those aspects is flexibility. This vital quality goes through an amazing course during most people’s life spans. At birth, they possess an almost superhuman ability to bend and stretch, easily touching nose to toes and twisting into all sorts of odd poses. As age progresses, much of that initial bendiness disappears, often leaving them as injury-prone adults. For those who lead a sedentary lifestyle, the loss of elasticity can be more rapid. But it needn’t be so. There are ways to improve flexibility at every stage of life. Below we will look at why, how and when to work toward greater flexibility.

• Why. Flexibility allows us to use a full range of motion, and working to improve it can preserve or expand mobility. Things are easier to reach, whether up on shelves or down on the floor, when our level of flexibility is within a healthy range. Improving flexibility also tends to improve balance and coordination and can help prevent injury by preparing the body for more vigorous activity.

• How. There are many different stretching exercises that can enhance flexibility. From classic floor stretches to advanced twists, the important thing to remember is to progress gradually. Never overstretch. Simply reach as far as is comfortable. Then try to go slightly farther with each stretch. Hold stretches for at least ten seconds without bouncing to allow the muscles to relax and extend gently. For guided stretching, try a yoga or Pilates class or take up a martial art that incorporates flexibility training.

• When. There is really no wrong time to stretch; however, stretching is more effective after muscles are warm. A brief walk, a few easy jumping jacks or a short swim are all great ways to warm up muscles and enhance their ability to stretch. Flexibility exercises are beneficial ways to relieve stiffness and to wake up the body after sleeping or being stationary for an extended period of time, so any time tension, fatigue or stiffness is present, try a simple stretch. For detailed instructions for specific stretches, try the following websites: www2.gsu.edu/~wwwfit/flexibility.html and www.sport-fitness-advisor.com/flexibility-exercises.html.