The science of stretching: Understanding flexibility

Physiologically speaking, « flexibility » is the capacity to move muscles and joints through their complete range. The surprising fact is that it’s an ability we are born with but lose gradually while getting older. As a proof, babies and young children have this funny ability to take the weirdest twisted positions ever.

Yet, our sedentary lifestyle isn’t the only malefactor in this. Normally, the human body dehydrates with age. That’s where stretching interferes by stimulating the production of tissue lubricants.

To draw the full picture, your muscles are composed of myofilaments that meet together and imbricate when the muscle contracts.

During a stretch, the muscle loosens and elongates, minimizing the areas of myofilament overlap.

Simply put,  this process is similar to detangling a jumbled bunch of strands by extending them.

That’s why having a good post-class stretch helps your muscles in their healing process, prevents injuries and keeps you from feeling sore the day after.

Regular stretch helps improving  blood circulation, stimulating the internal organs, reinforcing mobility, joint  lubrication and healing abilities. And yet, even a quick stretch at the end of the day can give you a second wind.

Needless to say, exercising controlled breathing and focusing on the targeted muscles ensure getting the most of your stretch. The connection between relaxation, stretching, and breathing is intelligible.