Flexibility is often a hugely overlooked part of our life, but is a tremendous contributor to our physical health. The more flexible we are, the easier it becomes to stay active, healthy, and avoid injuries.
Here are 6 tips that I like to implement when I am trying to improve my flexibility.
1. Identify where you are least flexible
By identifying your tightest muscles, you can pin-point exactly where you need to stretch to improve your muscle flexible and performance. You can pin-point the exact location by tracing back to where you usually have muscle injuries, pain, soreness, or by completing a few simple stretches for each muscle group and evaluating which one was the hardest to perform.
For example, you may realize that you have extremely tight hamstrings. After this, you can focus on stretches that target your hamstrings and this will help improve your overall flexibility.
2. Don’t push your muscles too far
It is important to be extremely careful when you are stretching your muscles because it is easy to push them too far, resulting in injury.
It is important to keep in mind while you are stretching that you should push until you are uncomfortable, not push to the point of pain.
3. Use dynamic stretched before activity
Dynamic stretches are stretched that you do while in motion to help your muscles and joints loosen up. AN example of a dynamic stretch is Frankenstein walks. Doing these at the beginning of an activity will help improve range of motion in your joints and muscles.
4. Use Static Stretched After an Activity
Static stretches are the opposite of dynamic stretches; they are done not in motion. You are meant to ease into dynamic stretches and they are used as a cool down after a workout.
This is the best time to stretch your muscles as they are warmed-up and more flexible after being in use.
5. Heat your muscles while you are stretching
Your muscles become much more relaxed and more flexible while they are warm. Heat relieves the tightness allowing you to push your muscles to a further distance.
Simple ways you can heat your muscles are by spending time in a sauna, spending time in a hot tub, or taking a hot shower.
6. Use a foam roller
A foam roller can be used to loosen up your muscles before stretching activities. This will help you to be able to push your muscles to further distances than you would’ve if your muscles were tight before stretching activities.
Another effective use of a foam roller is after activity while you’re muscles are sore. This will help increase circulation and help your muscles recover faster and more flexible.
Add these methods to your daily routine and watch how your flexibility and mobility improves.