This is the 2nd post of the flexibility series. As I said in the first part, your nervous system is your n.1 enemy when it comes to flexibility. Let’s summarize:

• The stretch reflex is your body’s natural defense system to prevent injuries if your muscles/tendons are stretched too far.
• But your tissue can stretch much, much more than your nervous system allows.
• With time, your nervous system reduces the range of motion to your “habitual” range of motion. So, if you don’t use the full amplitude of possible movements your “stretch reflex” will be adjusted respectively.
• You may think “Oh well, who cares! If I don’t use other movements, why should I care about the stretch reflex?” You should. The “stretch reflex” makes your muscles stiffen when your limbs are in the “non-acceptable” position. This is the principal cause for injuries.
• This means that it is much more probable to get injuries in an accident or while doing sports if your “stretch reflex” is adjuted to a smaller range of motion.

As a matter of fact stiffen muscles are the principal cause for most injuries. I saw a report yesterday on the TV. A 16 old girl fell from 11th floor (almost 100 feet) and survived it with few smaller bone fractures. The only reason she survived is because she lost her consciousness and was absolutely relaxed at the point of impact.

So, resisting against a force may not always be the best choice. Sometimes it is better to get carried by the flow. Think about it.

Part 3 coming soon…