While we tend to focus our workout on fitness and strength, flexibility is a huge part of training. Tight, tense muscles, and joints can limit your movements while exercising and in your daily life and with increased flexibility, you can minimize aches and pains, improve posture, and make working out a more enjoyable experience. So, are you ready to find out how to improve your flexibility?
Hold Static Stretches
Static stretches involve stretching your muscles until there’s mild tension and holding it there. Ideally, you should hold the stretches for one minute or a minimum of five slow, controlled breaths, to see changes in muscle length.
Target All Muscle Groups
It’s important to target all major muscle groups when stretching which include your neck, chest, shoulders, trunk, lower back, hips, legs, and ankles.
Mix It Up
Don’t just stick to static stretching in your flexibility training. Other methods to include are dynamic stretching, where you move your body through its full range of motion instead of holding it in one position, and foam rolling.
Stretch Warm Muscles
Stretching is most effective when your muscles are warm, so stretch after you exercise or warm up your muscles in a hot bath or shower.
Listen to Your Body
With any type of training, make sure you’re not pushing yourself too hard. You shouldn’t be feeling pain or stress after flexibility training.
