Flexibility is important to maintain at every age. Flexibility is a measure of the range of motion available at a joint or group of joints. Flexibility is influenced by age, sex and race.

Flexibility is achieved through regular stretching. It is optimal to warm-up before stretching, to prevent injury and achieve maximum flexibility gains. Benefits of adequate flexibility include preventing muscle strain and injury, preventing back injury, maintaining proper posture, improved athletic performance and flexibility is associated with effective daily functioning, even including driving ability among older adults.

There are three basic methods of stretching – static stretching, PNF (proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation) and ballistic stretch. Static stretching is done by achieving a taut stretch of a muscle, and holding it for 6-20 seconds. This and all stretches should be held to the point of being taut, not to the joint of pain. Static stretching is generally considered the least likely to cause injury. PNF stretches are considered the most effective at improving flexibility. PNF stretching allows you to stretch a muscle and joint through an entire range of motion. PNF techniques are executed by applying a static stretch, then contract against a force through a range of motion slowly, and then apply the static stretch again. This maneuver should not be done without the instruction of a trained professional initially. PNF stretching is used in many rehab programs, due to its effectiveness. Ballistic stretching is done when muscles are stretched by the force of momentum of a body part that is bounced, swung or jerked. Ballistic stretching may be a good technique for active people and athletes at times, but are essentially considered unsafe and unendorsed as a good method of achieving flexibility.