itical in order for athletes to reach their full potential. Flexibility exercises have the potential for reducing injury severity, reducing injury frequency, reducing soreness, contributing to fitness, improving motor performance, assisting in relaxation and increasing joint range of motion.

There is a difference between flexibility stretching and warm-up. A warm-up is an activity that raises the body temperature and increases blood flow. Flexibility is the range of motion possible at a specific joint. Furthermore, cold muscles and other tissues are more susceptible to injury. Therefore, a warm-up must precede stretching and strenuous activity in order to reduce chance of injury and to allow the greatest possible length of the tissues during stretching exercises.

BFS regards stretching as a separate exercise regimen, like plyometrics and weight training. Stretching is not part of a warm-up or cool-down for physical activity that athletes need to do only occasionally. The BFS Stretching Program is as easy as 1-2-3-4, named so because it consists of 11 stretches, divided into four groups. The first group of exercises is performed on a bench, the second standing, the third against a wall, and the fourth on the floor.

Flexibility exercises are an important part of any Athletic Program. There is no doubt that flexibility training done correctly and consistently will increase an athlete’s joint range of motion. Furthermore, many experts agree that an effective flexibility program is important in injury prevention.