Flexibility is vital in preventing injury and maintaining fitness. Here’s how to improve flexibility, fast…
1. Hold it
Each time you perform a stretch, hold it for one minute. Stretches held for under a minute are much less effective in increasing flexibility.
2. Full body
A few times a week, do a full body stretch, starting with your neck and shoulders and moving down to your feet.
3. Warm up first
Before stretching, go for a brisk ten-minute walk. Your muscles will be warmer and twice as flexible, so you’ll get the most out of your stretches.
4. Breath deep
When you are holding a stretch, concentrate on taking long, steady breaths in through your nose and out through your mouth. Your muscles will relax and you’ll be able to stretch them further.
5. Drink up
Water is an important tool for keeping our muscles performing in top condition, so aim to get 6 – 8 glasses a day.
6. Try yoga
Yoga classes are full of flexibility exercises that are ideal for getting your muscles in peak condition, so try a class 2 – 3 times a week.
7. Do it in two
Stretching with a partner will allow you to get more out of your stretches by providing extra resistance. Sit spread-legged facing one another and place your feet flat against the inside of your partner’s lower legs. Hold hands and pull away from each other for an effective stretch.
8. Stay active
Being sedentary for long periods causes muscles to shorten and tighten so if you work in a desk job try taking regular five-minute breaks to walk around the office and re-energise your muscles.
9. Try Pilates
Pilates is another effective form of exercise for muscle toning and flexibility, using the power of core muscles to perform particular stretches and activities.
10. Keep at it
Repetition is the key to increasing flexibility so aim to stretch at least three times a week, every week and you’ll start to see results.
