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The Importance Of Range Of Motion Exercises

Author: Beth Bahr

The importance of range of motion exercises

Everyone agrees that fitness is integral to promoting overall health, but understanding the best approach is much debated. One aspect that is commonly accepted, however, is the importance of range of motion in exercising.

What is range of motion exercise?
This type of exercise improves a muscle or joint's strength and fluidity by improving its ability to extend across its full range of movement.

Why is it important?
Our joints are often forced to move and provide support in unexpected ways. By only exercising some of those configurations, we expose ourselves to danger if we encounter a particular situation. Furthermore, having generalized strength in joints and muscles allows us to avoid injury and pain caused by compensating for areas of weakness over extended periods. In muscles, a limited range of motion can even inhibit further growth.

How can it be improved?
With joints, comprehensive stretching can help increase your range of motion. Stretching can ensure that your joints don't get stuck in a limited range of motion, which can lead to tendonitis or tendinopathy, according to the Mayo Clinic.

For muscles, exercises that promote a wide range of muscles increase a muscle's strength and reduce the risk of injury. Instead of simply bulking up a particular muscle set, or adding strength in only one dimension, range of motion exercises expose the tendons, ligaments, muscle fibers and connective tissues to movements that are important to athletics and general fitness, according to Men's Health.

How can it be added to your routine?
Range of motion adapts easily to almost any fitness routine. Stretching after an aerobic workout can help improve your joints' ranges of motion. If working out with weights, make an effort to lift from varied positions and angles. For bodyweight workouts, create resistance from different locations and aimed at a range of muscle groups.

In Brief

  • Everyone agrees that fitness is integral to promoting overall health, but understanding the best approach is much debated. One aspect that is commonly accepted, however, is the importance of range of motion in exercising.
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