RELATED ARTICLES
Physical fitness assessment: establish your personal benchmark
Sexercise: Physical fitness and better sex
7 physical fitness training tips for men
I made the sit and reach (modified to a standing reach for the floor) the first part of the physical fitness assessment so that we would all associate stretching with the beginning of a workout. Whether you never work out or even if you work out regularly, you will loose flexibility if you do not practice stretching. Muscle flexibility can be as important as strength when it comes to protecting tendons and ligaments from injury when doing strenuous activity. As anyone who is into Yoga will tell you a heavy stretching routine can be a workout in itself. When you take stretching to the level that Yoga does, it has many beneficial effects on the soul, body and spirit. Check out some of the great factoids that have been written on this ancient art. Go to the Factoidz search box and plug in "Yoga" … You will find a ton of good articles on the subject. Or just click here.
Christian yoga channel and yoga needs a moderator. Are you an expert? Find out how to apply for moderator.
Another reason I think it is a good choice to put the sit and reach first in line for the fitness assessment, is because this has gotta be about the quickest assessment you can do. I know I can motivate everyone to do this one and report their results in the comments. So c’mon guys, you can do this. It will only take you two minutes. I promise.
The first thing you’ll need to take action on this factoid and take the very first step toward assessing your physical fitness level is a yardstick or a tape measure. We are going to measure the width of our shoulders. You will hear often around the gym, "feet shoulder width apart." does anyone really know what their shoulder width is? We are going to find out:
Standing in a doorway, measure the distance between your shoulder and the door jamb. Now, measure the door opening. The door opening minus the measurement between your shoulder and the door will be you "shoulder width." Put the yardstick on the floor and put your toe on the measurement. Get a feel for your own personal "shoulder width apart."
Save that ruler / yard stick: We are going to need it for this quick assessment. Warm up with some stretches as seen in this you tube video by
It’s a natural impulse to stretch. Like a cough or a sneeze, you will find yourself doing it unconsciously. Animals do it. Consciously investing a small amount of time, just a few times a day, to stretch and improve or maintain your flexibility will pay great returns. It only takes two or three minutes to give a third of your important muscles a good stretch. A whole body stretch takes only twelve minutes a day -broken up over three or four times a day you don’t even know you are doing it. Below is a video of basic stretching. But you can’t go wrong, experiment. Just don’t over-do it. don’t "bounce" your stretches. Hold them where there is just an uncomfortable burn in the muscle being stretched.
Now for the assessment, standing with your feet shoulder’s width apart, bend at the waist and touch the ground, or try…If you come up short of being able to reach the ground…measure that distance. If you really wanna show off, the touch the ground with your palms! Let us know in the comments -What did you come up with?
After you take action, and document the results here in the comments, come back in seven weeks. If you do your stretching faithfully, making it a habit, tell us all if you have achieved being able to touch the ground with the palm of your hands. Or, whatever your improvement level is. Jump in any time, this assessment doesn’t begin or end any particular time.
This video is an excellent stretch for the shoulders (there you go Sam!) Once on You tube, check this lady out. she does a bunch of videos quick demonstrating each intense stretch. You may have to work you way up to these. I know I will! but you will like the way she demonstrates these many effective stretches.
Disclaimer: Material on this Website is provided for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for medical care, rehabilitation, educational consultation, or legal advice. Information on this Website is general as it can not address each individual's situation and needs. [more]
