Warm-up and flexibility

This chapter summarizes what is known about the performance and injury-prevention benefits of warm-up and flexibility. It explains the difference between warm-up and stretching and the purpose of each and identifies the different warm-ups based on individual needs. The chapter also explains the term flexibility and presents the ways to measure flexibility and understands the basic advantages and disadvantages of each. Normal static flexibility is the typical joint movement allowed between two extremes: ankylosis and hypermobility. Ankylosis is pathological loss of range of motion, whereas hypermobility is excessive range of motion. The literature on clinical and basic science provides a different view of the role of flexibility in injury risk and performance than what is commonly believed by many people, athletes, and coaches. The chapter describes ways to increase flexibility by using various stretches and understands the benefits and limitations of increased range of motion and presents the design for appropriate and recommended exercise prescription for stretching.