Body flexibility is one of the fundamental pillars for maintaining physical health throughout life, but it is often left aside in comparison to other aspects, such as strength and resistance. What many people don’t know is that the benefits it provides go far beyond improving everyday movements.
Simply put, flexibility is the body’s ability to perform large movements with joints and muscles efficiently.
“Flexibility is fundamental for the execution of movements both in everyday activities, such as bending the knees, bending the torso, sitting and standing, and in sports. It provides mobility and ease, allowing these movements to occur efficiently and without overload”, explains Bernardo Sampaio, physiotherapist.
It reduces the risk of injuries, facilitates daily tasks and improves posture and body balance. Furthermore, more flexible muscles suffer less tension during physical exercise, which can reduce pain and discomfort.
It varies from person to person and can be influenced by factors such as age, sex, genetics, level of physical activity and even ambient temperature.
“It has a direct impact on muscle-joint health and also influences other areas of the body. Having good flexibility and joint mobility facilitates the practice of physical activities, which, in turn, is essential for the prevention of various diseases not only related to the musculoskeletal system, but also other health conditions”, adds Sampaio.
Flexibility also positively impacts blood circulation. In the elderly, it is essential to preserve independence and reduce the risk of falls.
The good news is that flexibility can be developed and maintained with . Practicing daily stretching can already make a difference, working all the major muscle chains, such as legs, hips, back, shoulders and arms.
“We can increase body flexibility through physical exercise, yoga and mainly stretching. This process occurs through neuromuscular re-education, the brain sends information to the muscles and guides the execution of movements. As these movements are practiced frequently, the nervous system develops more efficient and safer neural trajectories”, details Mayara Monteiro, physiotherapist.
Furthermore, healthy habits, improved diet and good quality of sleep can also contribute to increasing flexibility.
Among the exercises recommended for are stretching the legs, back and arms. The practice of yoga, pilates and joint mobility exercises, which consist of circular movements to activate the joints.
These activities not only improve flexibility, but also strengthen the body and increase body awareness. For those who have specific pain or limitations, guidance from a healthcare professional is important to ensure safe and effective training.
It is important to respect your own limit, without forcing movements that cause pain, and maintain each stretching position for at least 20 to 30 seconds. Evolution is gradual.
