Developing Flexibility
Flexibility,
or “range-of-motion,” is an important component of the physical dimension of
wellness. Adequate flexibility is necessary for the injury-free performance of
activities of daily living, work, and recreation. Also, lack of flexibility
contributes to low-back and other spinal problems that can negatively affect
well-being. Although other components of fitness are often emphasized, the
development of flexibility is just as valuable to good physical health.
Use the resources linked above in order to answer the following questions (which
are the objectives to be mastered in this lesson):
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1.
Define flexibility and its role in wellness. |
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2.
Discuss the various factors that determine the degree of flexibility
(range-of motion) about a joint. |
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3.
Describe the three methods of stretching, and the positive and negative
aspects of each. |
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4.
Discuss recommended stretching exercises, and those not recommended because
of their potential for injury. |
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5.
Explain the exercise prescription for improving and maintaining flexibility.
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6.
Design your own program for improving and maintaining flexibility. |
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7.
Identify and inspect at least two good web sites which may serve as future
resources on flexibility training. |
Assignments:
1. Design
a program for maintaining and improving your flexibility. Include several basic
stretching exercises that have been shown to be safe and effective.
2. Scan the major news websites for health/wellness articles related to the subject of this chapter and write a brief report on one of them. Your report should be about 1/2 page for each news story. E-mail them to the instructor in MS Word format. Some of the major sites include http://www.usatoday.com http://www.msnbc.com http://www.cnn.com and others of your choice.
3. Briefly, but completely answer the objectives listed above in written form (typed or hand-written). You do not have to complete objective 6--it is included in the assignments.
4. Begin scanning the CD that came with the text for information related to this chapter. This assignment does not have to be turned in.