Stretching and flexibility exercises should be included as part of every fitness program. Not only do flexibility exercises prevent injury, they also serve many other purposes. On top of all the benefits, flexibility exercises feel great! They can be incorporated into a relaxation routine at the end of your day or as a way to wake up gently in the morning.
Stretching and flexibility exercise are one in the same. Gently stretching your muscles through long extended moves will improve your flexibility overtime. As you become more flexible, daily tasks seem easier and even less tiring. Bending to tie your shoes, lifting packages off the floor, reaching overhead for something, all of these become easier with flexibility exercises.
Stretching also improves circulation. Flexibility exercises cause blood to rush to areas of the body and muscles being used. This increase in blood flow (particularly to the muscles) can help aid in the healing process after injuries.
Flexibility exercises and stretching can improve posture. Stand up straight and be seen. When you muscles aren’t tight or tense you can literally hold your head higher and stand straighter more comfortably.
How to Do Flexibility Exercises Properly
Warm up! Don’t do any exercises, even stretching with cold muscles. Do some jumping jacks or jog in place for a few minutes to get your muscles warm and blood flowing. Stretching cold muscles can cause injury.
Hold each stretch for 20-30 seconds. Get the most out of your flexibility exercises by holding them for a period. Don’t bounce on your muscles while stretching, just focus on making the reach slightly longer and stronger than before.
Relax! If you push too hard during flexibility exercises, you could injure yourself. Of course, you will feel tension in your muscles as you stretch them but the moves should not be painful.
Try a DVD with flexibility moves if you have a hard time creating your own program. P90X has 2 DVDs that are great for flexibility exercises. Yoga X will get you limber but will also rock your body to the core! This is not your mama’s stretching routine! X Stretch is a more relaxing stretching workout, designed to rest your muscles and get them limber and ready for another week of P90X.
