Proper breathing helps relax the body, increase blood flow throughout the body and helps to mechanically remove lactic acid and other by-products of exercise. Some sources also suggest that water is an important element not only in rehydration but is directly related to flexibility. Increased water intake is believed to contribute to increased mobility, as well as increased total body relaxation. The bone structure of a joint places noticeable limits on flexibility depending on the type of joint involved and its present condition. This is a common way in which age can be a factor limiting flexibility since older joints tend not to be as healthy as younger ones.
Muscle mass can also be a factor, when muscles are heavily developed.
Overly developed muscles can interfere with the ability of adjacent joints to move through their full range of motion. Excess fat also hinders flexibility. Well now that we have gotten the academic mumbo jumbo out of the way lets get on to the actual stretching. Warm- up should consist of a short jog or bike, anything to get a little sweat going and to increase that body temperature a couple of degrees. Stretching This should consist of Static stretches, which involve stationary actions, meaning no bouncing around.