Some myths about flexibility

Although flexibility is a valuable aspect of training and everybody knows its benefits, it is important to be aware of the potential disadvantages associated with over training for excessive flexibility. Excessive flexibility involves over-stretched ligaments, which decreases stability and exposes joint structures to risk of injury. This is sometimes seen in people doing asanas for prolonged periods, who are hyper-flexible, but no longer have the high levels of muscle strength to support it.

Many attempts have been made to relate body type and flexibility. For example, an underweight fragile body type might be thought to have greater flexibility than a heavier, over-developed, massive body type. However, in recent studies, there has been little correlation between weight and body type and the ability to achieve ROM. For example, we see sumo wrestlers who can do a split like a gymnast.

Strength training is an area where misconceptions concerning flexibility continue to exist. Many still believe that weight-training causes the body to become muscle-bound and lack overall flexibility. It is true that over-developing muscles may encourage muscular imbalances if stretching is not incorporated into a training program, but the perception that strength training independently decreases flexibility is a myth. It is important to remember that flexibility has been consistently shown to be specific to the individual, to the activity and to each joint. Since each person has different musculature, joint structure and genetic composition, we must not compare ourselves with others.

Strength, endurance and flexibility are not necessarily an underlying characteristic of each person but they are essential components of health.