“I never struggled with injury problems, because of my preparation – in particular my stretching.”
– Edwin Moses, winner of gold medals in the 400m hurdles at the 1976 and the 1984 Olympics
Typically, I address topics of nutrition as well as the importance of strength and aerobic conditioning, but I find that the subject of flexibility and movement is the most neglected area of fitness. I ask my clients to envision a triangle with each point being strength training, aerobic conditioning, and flexibility. In the middle of the triangle is nutrition. As I have often noted here that without proper nutrition, the fuel for the body, the rest will not be as effective for those people focused on a lifestyle that is active and enjoyable.
In noting the quote, I have used this week to introduce my topic you may think, well sure, but Edwin Moses is an Olympic athlete, not exactly my profession and I don’t train my body the way he did. True, but remember that as we age it takes less and less activity to result in injury. Missing a stair step, tripping over a cord or small pet (yikes!) pulling an item that is too heavy from a shelf – you get the picture. As a child or young adult these actions or reactions are insignificant, and even if we did suffer a sprained ankle or wrist the recovery was relatively quick and complete. Baby Boomers, those days are gone. Our best hope is to remain strong, flexible, and balanced.
Going back to the quote above attributed to Mr. Moses, do you know that Olympic and professional athletes attribute stretching and flexibility as the most important part of their training? Gymnasts, runners, boxers, skiers, skaters, you name it! They know that without a great deal of flexibility they are much more prone to injury which could knock them out of competition and out of a profession! In addition to increasing balance and flexibility, regular stretching transports oxygen and removes toxins from muscles, improving athletic performance.
Dynamic stretching, or stretching by moving through a challenging but comfortable range of motion repeatedly usually 10-12 times, should not be confused with old-fashioned ballistic stretching which involves a bouncing movement and which you may recall from PE classes in days gone by!
As I have mentioned previously in my columns here, although I worked in executive management for many years, I pursued my credentials in both fitness training and in nutrition and wellness coaching. For over 20 years I have enjoyed pursuing these interests when time allowed to do so but now that I am retired/rewired I have the flexibility (I couldn’t resist!) to pursue my avocation. That is why I teach a class called “FlexAbility” – because I know that increased flexible movement and stretching will add a very positive dimension to our lives as we age. I have acquired additional training and certification in Full Body Flexibility and Balance Progression and I look forward to working with more groups as well as one-on-one training.
Another caveat to increased flexibility training? How about improved muscle tone, coordination, and stronger bones? Watch for another article soon on more in-depth descriptions of the different types of stretching and how you can benefit.
Sharon McMahon, CNWC
The opinions expressed in this article are not intended to replace advice of your personal physician or licensed health professional. Please consult your physician for any issues you may have related to nutrition or fitness activity.