Most fitness gurus espouse the belief that there are three main areas of exercise: strength training, cardiovascular conditioning, and flexibility. We agree with this point of view, however, we also know that flexibility very often takes a back seat to the other two. If you visit any health club, you will see most members on either cardio machines, weight machines or in the free weight area lifting weights or using the cables. You don’t’ see too many people focusing on stretching exercises.

At Zen Fitness, we believe flexibility is a very strong component of the total exercise package and we give equal attention to it in our training programs. Here’s why:

Cardio and strength training exercises contract the muscles either through the application of resistance, or in creating motion through the legs. When we walk, run or pedal an elliptical trainer, our calf and thigh muscles are repetitively contracted. Likewise, lifting weights, pulling on resistance bands or cables, or using weight machinery all involve muscle contraction. Even core exercises are based predominantly on muscle contraction. Stretching exercises pull the muscles back out and lengthen the muscle fibers or tendons that attach to the bone. The longer your muscle fibers are, the more you can increase your muscle mass when strength training is performed. In other words, longer muscle fibers mean stronger muscles!

Flexibility is also associated with other positive benefits such as increased energy and metabolism, prevention of injury, and increased circulation and blood flow which have preventative effects against diseases such as stroke, heart attack, diabetes, kidney disease and chronic inflammatory problems. The practice of Yoga which has a strong flexibility component has been known to assist with lowered blood pressure, reduced anxiety, and mood stabilization.

Flexibility is an important part of any exercise routine, and at Zen Fitness, we will make certain that you receive a well rounded training regimen that includes a substantial stretching component.