Stretching Techniques and Social Sports Models

Stretching and Flexibility

Stretching is a method to improve flexibility, which is the maximum length of a movement in a given joint. It can be categorized as:

• Passive Stretching: Passive movements are produced by an external force.
• Active Stretching: The movements are produced by one's own strength and voluntary muscle contraction.

Physical and Sporting Activities in Society

Item 5: The Social Context of Physical Activity

Physical sporting activities can be classified into two parameters:

• The scope of action: The activities are grouped according to professional fields and social sectors involved.
• Circulation model: The activities are grouped according to the model of choice or emotional reason that has made practitioners choose them.

Physical Education and Sport at School

The teaching of physical education should promote and facilitate students' understanding of their bodies and the possibilities they have. They should know and master various physical activities and sports so they can choose those that best suit their needs for personal development.

Sport of Performance or Competition

Therapeutic or Hygienic Sport

Sport therapy is twofold: first, to prevent injury or illness and, secondly, for aesthetic, psychological, and emotional balance. This involves both external and internal changes.

Leisure Sports or Recreation

The main objective of this sport is to have fun and enjoy the activity. Any physical and sporting activities can be focused toward the recreation area; it only requires a little imagination.

Adapted Sport

It is directed toward people with physical, mental, or sensory disabilities to play sports that are not standardized.

Models of Sporting Practice

Ecologist Model

Ecology and the need to flee a heavily developed society are at the basis of this modality. The ecological model emerged in the United States of America in the sixties and spread to Europe. Such practices seek a symbolic adventure with a number of risks, more or less controlled emotions, and new sensations in nature.

Narcissistic or Aesthetic Model

This model of practice was born in the early seventies in the USA. Its objectives are searching for physical and mental well-being and combating the imbalances of modern life.

Etnomotor Model

This model is based on indigenous cultural movements and trends.

Mystic Model

This emerged in the sixties and is based on humanistic psychology. At first, these practices were closely linked to religion, hence the so-called mystical model.