Flexible Bodies, Brilliant Minds: The Winning Connection

Physical flexibility is often associated with athletes and dancers, but its significance extends far beyond the realm of sports and performance arts. For school students, developing and improving flexibility can have a profound impact on their overall health, well-being, and quality of life.

Sharing his view on the subject, Ayush Khrub, a Physical Education Facilitator at Apeejay School International, Panchsheel Park says, “If one starts working on their physical flexibility from an early age, they have better chance at having good results. Flexibility is a must these days as the lifestyle of kids and their parents has changed tremendously. Post COVID-19, many have lost interest in working towards their body and that is not correct.”

He continues, “To maintain a good physical structure, children must eat a healthy diet and not engage in too many cheat meals. Exercise plus diet formulate a half and half of a person’s well-being, so, the quality, quantity and timing of food matters a lot. Besides, one must give at least half an hour to the body every day. It will help them become stress-free, improve quality of sleep as well as boost academic performance.” 

Let’s delve into the benefits of enhancing physical flexibility and explore how it can contribute to a better quality of living for students.

What are the benefits of improving flexibility?

Enhanced Range of Motion: Flexibility exercises, such as stretching, help students increase their range of motion in joints and muscles. This improved flexibility enables them to move more freely and perform daily activities with ease.

Reduced Risk of Injuries: Flexible muscles and joints are less prone to strains and injuries. By incorporating flexibility training into their routine, students can minimize the risk of sports-related injuries or accidents during physical activities.

Improved Posture: Good flexibility supports better posture by allowing students to maintain proper alignment of their spine and muscles. Correct posture not only reduces strain on the body but also enhances confidence and appearance.

Stress Relief: Flexibility exercises often involve relaxation techniques, such as yoga and deep breathing. Engaging in these practices can help students manage stress, anxiety, and promote mental well-being.

Better Athletic Performance: For students involved in sports, flexibility can significantly improve performance. It enhances agility, balance, and coordination, giving them a competitive edge on the field or court.

Increased Blood Circulation: Flexibility exercises encourage blood flow to various body parts, improving circulation and aiding in nutrient transportation, which positively impacts overall health.

Alleviation of Muscle Tension: Flexibility training can alleviate muscle tension and tightness, which is especially beneficial for students who spend long hours sitting at desks or using electronic devices.

Enhanced Focus and Concentration: Practicing flexibility exercises often involves mindful movement and concentration, which can enhance students’ ability to focus and improve their attention span.

A Healthy Lifestyle: Incorporating flexibility exercises into daily routines can encourage students to adopt an active and healthy lifestyle, fostering a positive attitude towards physical fitness.

How to build flexibility on a daily basis?

Building flexibility in schoolchildren can be a fun and rewarding process. Here are some tips:

Warm-Up: Always start with a gentle warm-up before stretching. Light aerobic exercises, such as jumping jacks or jogging in place, increase blood flow to muscles and reduce the risk of injury.

Stretching Exercises: Encourage children to perform various stretching exercises that target different muscle groups. Include stretches for the neck, shoulders, arms, back, hips, legs, and calves.

Hold and Breathe: Teach children to hold each stretch for 15-30 seconds while taking deep breaths. Encourage them to relax into the stretch, avoiding any bouncing movements.

Gradual Progression: Advise students to progress gradually in their flexibility training. It’s essential not to force the body into positions it is not ready for. Over time, they will notice improvements.

Yoga and Pilates: Introduce yoga or Pilates classes for kids, as these practices focus on flexibility, balance, and strength. They can be enjoyable and engaging for young learners.

Incorporate Play: Make flexibility exercises playful and enjoyable. Use games, music, or storytelling to make stretching sessions more engaging and interactive.

Partner Stretches: Encourage children to do partner stretches with a friend or family member. This can be a fun way to motivate each other and explore new stretches.

Flexibility Challenges: Organise flexibility challenges within the school or classroom. Create a chart or a flexible ‘Wall of Fame’ to track their progress and celebrate achievements.

Flexibility Breaks: Incorporate short flexibility breaks during long study sessions. It can help them relieve tension, increase circulation, and refocus their minds.

Consistency is Key: Encourage students to practice flexibility exercises regularly. Consistent effort will yield better results over time.

Be Supportive: Provide positive reinforcement and encouragement throughout their flexibility journey. Acknowledge their efforts and celebrate their improvements.

Monitor Proper Form: Pay attention to their form during stretches to ensure they are performing them correctly. Incorrect form can lead to injuries and hinder progress.

Stay Hydrated: Remind children to drink enough water throughout the day, as hydration is essential for maintaining muscle flexibility.

Encourage Active Lifestyle: Encourage them to engage in various physical activities like dancing, swimming, or cycling, which naturally promote flexibility.

Set Goals: Help children set realistic flexibility goals and track their progress. Celebrate their achievements and motivate them to reach new milestones.

Improving physical flexibility is a valuable investment in a school student’s well-being and future. The benefits of increased range of motion, reduced risk of injuries, stress relief, and improved athletic performance can positively impact their academic and extracurricular endeavours.

As per Nirmaljit Singh, a PGT Physical Education educator at Apeejay School, Rama Mandi in Jalandhar, “Having a flexible body is helpful for enhancing physical activities. In the school, I engage students in daily workouts, stretching and yoga asanas. These are doable on a daily basis even at home.” In his opinion, one can acquire flexibility at any age.   

So, by incorporating flexibility exercises into their daily routines, students can experience a better quality of life, both physically and emotionally. Encouraging young individuals to embrace flexibility as an essential aspect of their overall health empowers them to lead active, fulfilling lives and lays the groundwork for a healthier future.