Why do I need flexibility training?

Firstly, I'd like to remind you that it is equally important to incorporate cardio, strength AND flexibility or coordination training into your workout program. Try to find an even belance between the three.

   The benefits of flexibility or coordination training 

Have you ever felt really stiff? Yes , yes when we get older we tend to get stiff. For example when you are sitting for a long period of time then stand up you sometimes get stiff legs or stiff back. Instintivley your body will make you want to stretch, right?! EXACTLY! But when you're already stretching often, it makes your joints healthier by becoming more flexible which in turn helps prevent the risk of injury to the joints. You're providing your body with more flexibility to the joints by increasing the amount of synovial fluid. And stretching helps decrease the degeneration of your joints. Lets protect those precious knees! Do you have lower back pain? Try stretching! When you increase the flexibility in your quadraceps and hamstrings (those are the some of the biggest muscles in the body, the front thigh and back of your thighs) it helps relax your back muscles which eases back pain. Ta da! I mentioned getting stiff and getting older, well if you stretch consistently now when you're young, you'll be more flexible as you get older to be able to move around. Being more flexible can also improve your posture when sitting which not only helps your spine but makes you look thinner too when you sit up straight. 

But I heard flexibility is important for lifting weights too? Flexibility increases your range of motion which will in turn allow you to have proper form to lift heavy weights.

Remember, it's about finding a balance between the three : cardio, strength training and flexibility. If you want to become an athlete, you already know you sometimes have to do what you don't enjoy to get where you want to go.