Working Out Tips to Improve Flexibility
When you ask people their reason for working out and staying in shape, the answer is rarely, "To increase my flexibility." It's one of those things that has been taken for granted as an added benefit to being in shape but unless you are regularly attending yoga class, you don't give it much thought. The benefits of improved flexibility through stretching are monumentous though. Stretching can help improve muscle coordination, increase range of motion, relieve tension and soreness and improve blood circulation. It can also help to prevent injury. Many people don't realize that increasing your flexibility can also contribute to improving your posture, which can help with focus, energy and productivity. Here a few working out tips for improving your flexibility.
Flexibility Working Out Tips: When to stretch
Studies have shown that the best time to stretch is either after a 10-15 minute warm up or after your workout as part of your cool down routine. Stretching when the muscles are already warm allows the maximum benefit and reduces the chance of causing a strain by stretching too far.
Flexibility Working Out Tips: Who should stretch
It's easy to think that stretching is for someone in less physical condition but really, everyone should stretch regularly to enhance their workout results and reduce their change of injury and soreness.
Flexibility Working Out Tips: What kind of stretches
There are static stretches in which you simply hold a muscle in a stretched position for 15-30 seconds. For example, pulling an arm across the body and holding it to stretch the arm and shoulder muscles. You can also do dynamic stretching which helps the body to warm up for a certain activity. For example, doing little jumps or high knees is a great dynamic stretch for a jumper or hurdler.
Flexibility Working Out Tips: Where to stretch
Always stretch the muscle groups that you worked (or plan to work) during your workout. It is also a good idea to stretch any tight areas as well. Most of us carry stress in our shoulders and neck so make sure those muscles are attended to. Also, lower back pain is an issue for a large amount of the population, so making sure it is properly stretched and strengthened will help to reduce that pain.
These are just a few working out tips for increasing your flexibility. Adding stretching to your workout will help you maximize your results and reduce your risk of injury so it is definitely worth the time invested! To find more working out tips, click here.
Amy Mac, certified personal trainer and best-selling author, is founder and spokesperson of With Amy Mac, has dedicated the previous 5 years to providing consumers and clients with information about achieving and maintaining a healthy and fit lifestyle. For literally hundreds more working out tips and videos, check out my website, WithAmyMac.com, and don't forget to sign up for my fitness newsletter so all these tips and fun videos will come directly to your inbox (no funny business, just great info and fun inspiration)! Sign up for the newsletter here.
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