This type of activity should be done on its own or coupled with the other elements on almost every training day. As a rule the vast majority of North Americans have very poor functional range of motion (F-ROM). This restricts their ability to perform other activities in sport or in life.
Daily stretching or participation in yoga or pilates are excellent ways to train and improve F-ROM. There are variations in the challenges posed by the postures used in each discipline. The most well rounded and optimal training program for functional range of motion will integrate each discipline. If this training is being coupled with other elements it should be done last. Research has shown that stretching prior to other types of activities does little to prevent injury, causes less of a long term ROM adaptation and can even decrease performance. It is maximized when it is done on its own or after the other types of activities. Dynamic stretching can be used prior to other types of training once the body is warm.
It is evident that “Cross Training” can be so much more than simply combining the training modes of strength, cardio, flexibility and sport. Taking the time and energy to address the details of these specific elements will enable you to achieve peak general functional fitness and bring your training to an entirely new level while preventing injuries and invigorating your training routine.
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