3 Tips for Improving Flexibility
By Genevieve Cunningham
As we get older, we often lose a few things. For some, it’s our memory. For others, it’s our hair. And for the vast majority, flexibility seems to wane in a big way as the years go by. And this makes life difficult! Flexibility is needed for movement and activity, and when we don’t have it, these things become tough. Fortunately, we may be able to do something about our flexibility. We don’t have to lose it, and if we already have, we may be able to get it back. If you’re interested in getting back your flexibility so that you can move with ease, take a look at these tips to try today.
Stretch Every Day
The most obvious way to improve flexibility is to simply stretch. But the catch is that you can’t just stretch once and expect big results. It has to be a consistent practice. You don’t have to engage in deep yoga. It can be a simple routine that you do in your bedroom. But it has to be every day. The more you stretch, the more flexible the body will become. Get a routine, practice today and every day, and the results will come.
Walk More
Any kind of movement helps with flexibility. If you need an easy way to improve both movement and flexibility, try incorporating more walking into your daily life. Walk laps around the office. Walk at the park. Walk around the house. It doesn’t matter where or how much … just get out there and move! While this won’t impact flexibility in a big way all on its own, it will definitely help you make gains toward flexibility when used in conjunction with other methods.
Use Heat
Heat loosens muscles and makes stretching easier. If you want to enhance flexibility, try stretching in a heated room or even outside on a hot day. You can also try stretching as soon as you get out of a hot shower, as your muscles will be loose and limber. Just make sure that you are extremely easy and gentle on yourself. Since the muscle relaxes with heat, stretching too far or too intensely can cause damage. Use heat, but be easy when you do it.
Flexibility comes in handy in everyday life. It makes everything easier. Work, sleep, exercise … it’s all easier when you improve flexibility. Use these tips to improve your flexibility, and enjoy the better health and easier movement that comes along with it.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Santa Ana, Calif.