Flexibility is important in everyday life as well as for sports and physical activities. Like any other trait, flexibility is limited by genetics. Some individuals have excellent flexibility whilst others have joints or muscles that are more restrictive of their range of movement.

For most of us, it is unlikely that we are as flexible as we would want to be. However, you can improve your current level of flexibility.

By incorporating an appropriate stretching routine as part of your training programme you can achieve and maintain a good level of flexibility throughout your life.

It is important that any stretching routine is geared towards your specific physical capabilities if the full benefit is to be gained and injury avoided. Beginners and de-conditioned people in particular need to take great care and should only follow a stretching programme that has been specifically designed for them.