66 | HealthLinksSC.com Flexibility allows us to get more out of our other workouts and can help us do basic things around the house, like reaching a high shelf, bending when unloading the dryer, or squatting while gardening. Flexibility has also been associated with stress reduction and mental and physical relaxation. “Flexibility is the ability of your muscles and other soft tissues to move your joints,” explained Kim Durst PT, DPT, physical therapist and clinical director at Axis Physical Therapy. “Joint range of motion is the flexibility of those soft tissues, basically how well the joint is performing. Each joint has a normal range of motion, although it varies by individual.” FLEXIBILITY: UNDERRATED ELEMENT OF A HEALTHY LIFESTYLE By Lisa Wack Stretching — you don’t need special clothing. You don’t need any gear. You can do it indoors or outdoors at your own pace. And, yet, stretching and flexibility may be the most overlooked and underrated elements of a healthy lifestyle.
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