A Safe Guide to Flexibility Exercises

When it comes to working out, it is all too common to focus on strength and cardio training and neglect mobility exercise. Stretching is crucial in ensuring that you avoid injury, recover well from training and that you can work out again sooner. If you are young, the stretching work you do now will benefit you as you age. And for the older gym-goers out there, stretching is vital for you to stay fit, healthy and mobile in your later years. 

As you get older, your muscles will naturally become shorter which causes them to tighten over time. This can decrease your range of motion and affect your ability to play sports, be active or even complete simple everyday tasks. Developing an effective flexibility regime using simple inexpensive gym equipment such as resistance bands, an exercise mat and a stability ball will allow you to keep your muscles supple, healthy and strong. 

Continue reading for a few simple tips to help to take on flexibility exercises safely and stay nimble. 

Warm-Up Properly

Before beginning any form of exercise, you should take the time to warm your body up. Starting any flexibility exercises cold can cause injuries so, as tempting as it might be, never skip your warm-up. Five to ten minutes of brisk walking, light jogging or stationary biking is a great way to get the blood flowing and prepare your body for the flexibility regime ahead. 

Perform Flexibility Exercises Regularly

Stretching for at least ten minutes every day can have a positive impact on your balance, strength and flexibility. For sports enthusiasts, flexibility exercises are key for injury prevention and you should ensure that you stretch before and after every training session. If you have an old injury or area of your body that causes you problems, be sure to spend a few extra minutes working on that area to improve your flexibility where you need it most.

Proper Form

If you haven’t done any flexibility exercises before, it’s important that you ensure you are doing them correctly. Overreaching, hunching or being in the wrong position can end up in flexibility exercises causing more harm than good. Speak to your trainer, physiotherapist, yoga teacher or physician about your flexibility routine. With proper guidance, you can be sure that you are executing each move correctly so that you get the maximum benefit and avoid injury. 

Focus On Your Breath

When you are doing any flexibility exercises, it’s crucial that you focus on your breathing. Be sure to breathe normally and avoid holding your breath. Moving with your breath will allow you to maintain better rhythm throughout your flexibility routine. If you are holding a position for any length of time, you can increase your stretch as you breathe and move deeper into the stretch for even better results. 

Find Balance

If you are new to flexibility exercises, you might find that you can perform some exercise much easier on one side of your body than the other. This is completely normal. Most people are tighter on one side than the other. However, over time a regular flexibility routine can help you to find balance in your muscles, allowing you to have better mobility and movement. 

Incorporate Flexibility Exercises Into Your Fitness Regime

Flexibility exercises are essential in keeping your muscles supple, strong and healthy. Incorporating flexibility exercises into your workout routine will help you to avoid injury, increase your range of motion and allow you to recover quicker. Be sure to choose the right flexibility exercises for you and take the time to perfect each move before upping the intensity. With a safe approach to your new flexibility routine, you can improve your physical performance in everything you do.