Basics of Flexibility and Personal Fitness Throughout Life Power Point 6 Basics of Flexibility and Personal Fitness Throughout Life

What is Flexibility? Flexibility refers to a joint’s ability to move through its full range of motion. Range of motion refers to the degrees of motion allowed around a joint. Factors Affecting Flexibility: Heredity Gender Age Body temperature Injuries Percentage of body fat Activity level

Importance of Posture Posture refers to the alignment of the body’s muscles and skeleton as they provide support for the entire body. Static posture is the posture your body exhibits while in a resting position. Dynamic posture is the posture your body exhibits while in motion or preparing to move. Good posture habits can reduce stress and strain on your spine and help prevent back injuries.

Types of Stretching for Increased Flexibility Static Stretching: doing stretches slowly, smoothly, and in a sustained fashion. Ballistic Stretching: quick up and down bobbing movements in which stretches are held very briefly. Reflex-Assisted Stretching: stretching movements that challenge the reflexes to adapt. Passive Stretching: a type of stretching against a counterforce and in which there is little or no movement.

The Aging Process The aging process is the manner in which the body changes as a natural result of growing older. Although the aging process can’t be prevented, it can be slowed. A major key to slowing down the clock is personal fitness. Staying active and eating right may not prevent gray hair or going bald, but they can make a positive impact on body fat, blood pressure, and resting heart rate.

Leisure Time Activities Leisure time activities include sports and other action oriented pursuits done for recreation. Done regularly, they activities can improve health related or skill related fitness. They provide benefits such as reducing stress, providing an opportunity for social interaction, and burning calories. Some examples include: Aquatic activities Cycling Water and snow skiing Dance Volleyball and basketball Kayaking and canoeing

Choosing Fitness Professionals Whenever you need advice about health or fitness during your teen years, it is best to always seek the advice of your parent or guardian first. There are also a number of professionals who can provide advice and counseling. Physicians Physical Therapists Athletic Trainers Registered Dieticians Exercise Physiologists

Choosing Fitness Products Evaluating health and fitness information: Be suspicious of claims for quick and simple results Beware of miracle breakthroughs that haven’t been reported by a reputable source Beware of testimonials claiming great results Health and fitness facilities: Commercial gyms Commercial dance studios Hospital based wellness centers Corporate fitness centers Choosing a fitness facility: Cost and convenience Equipment and facilities Programs and staff Safety and cleanliness