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How
flexible are you?
The
ability to move joints freely and without pain through a wide range of
motion is an important component of physical fitness. Flexibility benefits
all physical activities and helps prevent pain and stiffness after exercise.
Busy working or raising our families, most of us don’t take the time to
exercise and stretch regularly. Take this opportunity to assess your joint
health.
The Test
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Place a yardstick on the floor with the zero
mark closest to you. Tape the yardstick to the floor at the 15-inch mark.
Have a friend help keep your legs straight during the test but not
interfere with your movements.
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Sit on the floor with the yardstick between
your extended legs, feet about 10 inches apart and heels at the 15-inch
mark.
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Place one hand over the other with one
middle finger on top of the other.
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Slowly stretch forward without jerking or
bouncing, and slide your fingertips along the yardstick as far as
possible.
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Place a marker at the spot where your
fingers touch the floor .
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Do the test three times. Your score is the
highest number you reach, to the nearest inch.
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