When it comes to flexibility training, a term we often hear is "stretch ratio". So what exactly is the stretch ratio? And how does it become an important indicator of the body's flexibility and health? Simply put, the stretch ratio refers to the ratio of the maximum degree of extension that a muscle group can achieve under a specific movement to its original length. By knowing our stretch ratio, we can more accurately assess our level of flexibility and potential risk factors.

For fitness enthusiasts, mastering the correct stretching method is essential. The two methods currently prevailing include dynamic stretching and static stretching. The former is suitable for the warm-up phase, emphasizing continuous movement patterns, such as leg lifts and kicks or arm circles; the latter is more suitable for relaxation moments, usually taking a fixed posture for a period of time to deeply relieve muscle fiber tension.

It is worth noting that good stretching habits can not only significantly improve the performance of athletes, but also effectively reduce the probability of injury caused by sudden force. Scientific studies have shown that proper pre-activity preparation helps to increase the elasticity of the tissue around the joint and thus reduce the possibility of impact injury.

However, not everyone is suited to the same tensile strength or timing. For example, in adolescence, because the bone development is not yet fully mature, a more gentle way is needed. However, for long-term sedentary office workers, they may face problems such as shortened hip flexors, so it is particularly important to focus on strengthening the relevant parts of the lower body.

in order to better understand your own situation and set reasonable goals, please try the following simple self-test steps:
stand forward and bend down to touch your toes to see if you can touch them smoothly;
after lying flat, lift up one-sided straight leg until you feel a slight pulling feeling to record the angle range.

Next, let's listen to the story of an ordinary office worker, Miss Li! She used to suffer from waist stiffness and pain due to long-term desk work. After being introduced by friends, she began to practice yoga regularly and gradually adjusted her posture to control her breathing rhythm by using professional auxiliary equipment such as yoga mat and pulling force. Finally, she achieved the goal of greatly improving her posture and reducing discomfort symptoms.

Finally, don't forget to use some small objects to make you get twice the result with half the effort! A yoga mat with excellent anti-skid performance and moderate thickness can not only protect the knee from the impact of the ground, but also create a stable and comfortable environment. The colorful elastic rope can adjust the tightness according to personal preference to meet diversified needs.