As we get older, our bodies naturally lose flexibility. The act of stretching isn’t exactly the most exciting form of exercise that we can do; however, it is an essential aspect that shouldn’t be forgotten about. What is great about stretching is that it can be incorporated into your regular exercise routine. Flexibility is important to maintain because it can reduce the risk of injury, improve posture, decrease pain, and improve both physical and mental health. Here are a few of the best stretching exercises that can increase your flexibility.
Downward-Facing Dog
This stretch works your hamstrings, glutes, deltoids, triceps, and quads. This stretch is very well known and performed by people all over the world. Not only can it help to loosen up your muscles, but you can also have some downtime to open up your airways, and take some time to breathe. To achieve this stretch, you have to get on your hands and knees and extend your spine toward the ceiling. Make sure to take it easy the first time you do it, and rest regularly between poses.
Sun Salutations
Sun Salutations work the spinal extensors, trapezius, abdominals, quadriceps, and hamstrings. With this exercise, you can vary the speed at which you perform it, and it will slowly begin to help you increase your flexibility. What is so good about this stretch is that if you do it at a medium pace, it will also help you to tone your muscles! The key to this stretch is to remember to breathe. It might seem like a silly thing to remind someone, but trust us, people do forget!
Intense Side Stretch Pose
The muscle groups stretched in the Intense Side Stretch Pose is the erector spinae, your pelvic muscles, quadriceps, and hamstrings. If you have never worked on your flexibility before, this one will be a challenge. However, stick to it! If you continue to perform this stretch, you’ll see magnificent results in your flexibility; you’ll be touching your toes in no time!
Extended Puppy Pose
As another dog-related pose, the Extended Puppy Pose stretches the deltoids, trapezius, erector spinae, and triceps. This one is one of our personal favorite stretches because it takes minimal effort whatsoever! All you need to do is get into the ‘tabletop’ position, on all fours. Then, walk your hands forward a little, and come onto your toes with your heels slightly lifted. Extend your back, and stretch. This exercise will make you feel so relaxed and chilled out. Not only does this move improve your flexibility, but it will help you to feel generally more comfortable.
Improving your flexibility is an excellent step to reimagining your physical and mental health. Taking the time to do these stretches will help you to connect to your mind and body in a way you might never have thought about before. Chances are, if you stick with these flexibility stretches, you’ll feel generally better overall. That said, you must be cautious when starting any sort of new physical activity. Just because someone else can touch their toes first try, doesn’t mean you will be able to as well. If you want any advice, there is information all over the internet about stretching. Failing that, your doctor or health professional will be more than happy to discuss a plan that they feel will work for you.
