A flexible joint has the ability to move farther in its range and requires less energy to do so. Flexibility decreases risk of injury. Flexibility increases blood supply and nutrients to joint structures. Flexibility training increases tissue temperature which in turn increases circulation and nutrient transport. This allows greater elasticity of surrounding tissues.
Flexibility provides increased quality and quantity of joint synovial fluid.
Increasing the quantity and decreasing the viscosity, or thickness, of synovial fluid enables more nutrients to be transported to the joint articular cartilage. This allows more freedom of movement and has a tendency to decelerate joint degenerative processes. Flexibility increases neuromuscular coordination. Flexibility training reduces muscle soreness. Look for next weeks article to cover how to stretch safely and efficiently.