Optimum Flexibility

How do we achieve optimum flexibility so that all of our joints can move through their full range of motion? This is a question that many people want to know. The answer lies in having proper structural balance. Stuctural balance means that you have equal levels of strength in opposing muscle groups. For example, the muscles in the front of the hip work as hip flexors and the glutes work as hip extensors on the opposite side of the pelvis. Thus, if your hip flexors are stronger than your glutes you will have poor range of motion in your hips because the stronger hip flexors will not allow the hip to move through its proper range of motion.

So how do we ensure proper structural balance? The first step is to use a well designed strength program that will provide either a balanced program if you are already balanced or a corrective program if you are imbalanced. In order to correct an imbalance you should try to lengthen or stretch the stronger side and strengthen the weaker or inhibited side. By having proper structural balance you will not only improve your flexibility and range of motion but you will also reduce your chances of injury and improve your levels of strength. Some common areas of structural imbalance are tight hip flexors with weak glutes, tight quads with weak hamstrings, and tight internal shoulder rotators with weak external rotators.