Poor Flexibility Can Affect Athletic Performance
Have you noticed that you aren’t as flexible as you used to be? Maybe you’ve discovered that you can no longer touch your toes or a recent yoga session has put you to shame. What happened? All athletic activities require some degree of mobility. If you have poor flexibility, you may not only see your athletic performance drop, but you could also more easily injure yourself. For example, if you decide to steal third during softball practice with your coworkers, your tight hamstrings may have a different idea when you try to sprint your heart out.
The less we use and stretch our muscles, the less flexible they become. The old adage “use it or lose it,” is just as relevant to our muscles as it is to our brains. If you spend your days sitting at a desk, keeping your hamstrings in continual contraction, then of course they are going to be tight when softball practice comes around.
Fortunately, you can regain your flexibility with practice. Begin a new routine of gentle stretching before bed (hold each pose for at least 60 seconds and stretch only to the point of initial discomfort) or consider taking up yoga a few times a week. You may also want to consider our MSM or MSM/TMG. It is the perfect formula for your joints and ligaments.
