Catatan

Flexibility is an important component of overall fitness. Unfortunately, flex- ibility is generally not one of the main focuses of many fitness programs. It is usually given very little attention or is neglected altogether. Although the ben- efits of regular exercise are well known, few people realize that flexible joints and regular stretching are also essential for optimal health and activity. For example, stretching can help people who have arthritis. To help relieve pain, especially during the early stages of this condition, people who have arthritis often keep affected joints bent and still. Although holding a joint still and bent may temporarily relieve discomfort, keeping a joint in the same position causes the muscles and ligaments to stiffen. This lack of movement can cause the muscles to shorten and become tight, leading to permanent loss of mobility and a hindering of daily activities. In addition, less movement means fewer calories burned, and any added weight puts more strain on the joints. Therefore, fitnessexperts urge people who have arthritis to stretch all of the major muscle groups daily, placing a gentle emphasis on joints that have decreased range of motion.