Exercises That Help Gain Back Your Range of Motion
By Genevieve Cunningham
All of us are born with incredible flexibility. Just watch a toddler or young child. They bend and stretch in ways we could only dream about. Touch their toes? Easy! Do the splits? No problem! As we get older, this natural flexibility wanes. It becomes difficult to complete certain tasks simply because our range of motion drastically decreases. But does it have to? Is there a way to get that flexibility and range of motion back? While it's normal to lose a little flexibility with age, it's entirely possible to improve from where you are right now. If you would like to enhance your range of motion to make your health and quality of life even better, take a look at these three exercises to try today.
Walking
Walking won't turn you into a gymnast. It won't magically lengthen your muscles or lead to massive gains in flexibility. But for those who don't exercise at all, it can restore so much in the way of range of motion. When we move, we activate our muscles and demand movement from our joints. Over time, the movement becomes easier because our bodies get used to the demands. If you get stiff after simple exercise or even just after a day's work, regular walking can help push you toward better health and improved range of motion in no time at all.
Yoga
This one is obvious, right? Yoga helps to improve flexibility and strengthen the body all at the same time. You can find routines that are gentle and good for beginners, or you can find routines that are intense and seriously challenging, or you can find routines in between. If you maintain a regular yoga practice, you'll probably be surprised at just how much it can transform your body and overall health. And a bigger, wider range of motion is likely to be one side effect that has a big impact on your everyday life.
Swimming
Swimming can be great exercise. We don't often think of swimming right away when we're thinking of working out, but it's actually really good for the body. It often requires us to use every muscle in the body and a wide range of motions to propel us through the water. The motions alone are likely to expand our range of motion, but the water provides an additional benefit. The buoyancy of the water allows our bodies to feel weightless. This takes pressure off of overworked joints and muscles and makes the movement easier. Over time, this benefit spills out of the pool and affects everyday life. If you have access to a swimming pool and want to really improve your body and health, picking up swimming is an excellent choice.
If you've felt the struggle of losing your natural range of motion, you're not alone. But there is definitely hope. Gaining it back is possible, and you'll feel so good doing it! Use these tips to enhance your range of motion, boost your overall health, and feel better about your body and life before you know it.
To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Collierville, Tenn.