You eat healthy foods, drink plenty of water, and exercise regularly. In other words, you’re fit and healthy. There is only one missing link in your overall good health. You’re as flexible as a piece of plywood.
But there’s good news! You don’t have to stay inflexible your entire life. With the right steps, you can improve your flexibility, which will make everything you do more comfortable.
Ready to get started building a more flexible you?
Here are some tips to improve your flexibility:
-Roll Before-
For many years, it was common practice to stretch before working out. In recent years, we have ditched that advice for something better: lightly performing whatever you plan to do. (movement preparation)
For those who want to improve performance as well as flexibility, it’s time to use a foam roller.
With a foam roller, you massage your muscles before working them out, and better yet, you improve circulation and elasticity safely. Although it can feel good, like a massage for your muscles, foam rolling actually helps your muscles function better. This prevents an already tight muscle from growing tighter through your workout. Once you knock out a little foam rolling, the time is right for some preparatory exercises or light activity before going full force into your workout.
Want to experience Foam Rolling?
Join us for FOGA- Foam Rolling and Yoga- this Saturday, March 18 at 11am pst on zoom and in person. Register HERE
-Do Full ROM-
As you exercise, you can help your flexibility by working throughout your entire range of motion. Always listen to your body and decrease your range of motion if you have discomfort or pain. Allowing your muscles to work their full ROM will lead to better flexibility.
For example, when performing a Biceps Curl, allow your arm to straighten completely on each repetition.
-Stretch After-
Your workout is done and your muscles are tight. Some people enjoy the feeling or they think they don't have time for a few minutes for stretching after the workout.
However, this is when your stretches are the most important. By taking 10 minutes to stretch gently and slowly, you can take a huge step toward your overall flexibility.
A good post-workout stretch will focus on the areas worked during your routine, and will provide a little stretching for the entire body. You can also finish your stretching with more foam rolling if you have time, as this will help further your flexibility goals.
-Take It Slow-
When stretching for increased flexibility, you may be tempted to push as far as you can. Instead, relax and take the gentle path to flexibility. Going too deep in your stretches will actually have the opposite result that you want, as your body will have to repair itself from small tears that occur from over-stretching. Instead, take your time and allow your body to ease into stretches.
Feel an uncomfortable burning sensation that actually hurts? Back off immediately. It should feel like a "good stretch", never painful.
Remember that flexibility (like any other aspect of fitness) requires consistency of actions over time, so adding the above 4 tips to your routine will help you improve your flexility over time.
Ready to get in shape with a proven program to increase your flexibility as well as reduce your body fat, build lean toned muscles and increase your energy levels.?
Reach out to me to learn how I can help you create a healthy lifestyle that you love.
Rose
HealthyHabitsStudio@gmail.com
