ActiveI became more flexible using these 3 simple tipsApply these simple changes and become a more flexible person soonerWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
ActiveI became more flexible using these 3 simple tipsApply these simple changes and become a more flexible person soonerWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
Apply these simple changes and become a more flexible person sooner
When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
(Image credit: Getty Images)
Some people stretch to get more flexible while others – me included – do it because they have to, otherwise, they might have to undergo surgery. Whatever your reason, stretching frequently has many benefits and can seriously improve your fitness level, but you must incorporate it into your daily routine. What helped me become more flexible is following the three simple tips I’ll explain below.
Don’t get me wrong: I’m far from being flexible, but I’m less stiff than I used to be. I have mild scoliosis and often dobodyweight exercises to ease back pain, and some of these include stretches. However, to feel less restricted in my body, I also have dedicated stretching sessions early morning or late afternoon. It helps me relax and work out more efficiently, not to mention the recovery benefits. Especially the late afternoon sessions help me sleep better, which is critical for recovery.
Even knowing all this, most people spend zero minutes stretching a week. Why? It feels a bit of an effort, twisting your body into positions you might feel uncomfortable in at first. The good news is that sensation disappears soon after you do a few stretching sessions, and to help you get there, I recommend doing the below three things. These are simple tips that will help you build healthy habits over time.
1. Do it everyday
Stretching sessions don’t have to last long. A simple full-body stretch can be performed in under five minutes and help you loosen a bit. Stretching is similar to resistance training; you should vary intensity and workout length to allow your body to rest and recover from previous sessions.
Set a reminder on your smartphone for 6 PM and get down on that yoga mat to stretch, even if it’s just for 10-15 minutes. After a few weeks, your body will prompt you without the need of an alarm that it’s time to stretch.
(Image credit: Getty Images)
(Image credit: Getty Images)
2. Relax into it
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Find the pose that works for you, even if it doesn’t quite look the same as what you see in the instructional video. Focus on the part of the body you’re working on and try to relax the muscles in the area. Take deep breaths, and at each out-breath, relax your body further.
3. Apply pressure gradually
I like to start my workouts with a bit of foam rolling;foam rollersare brilliant in eliminating tension from the legs and the back. I only do a few rolls at the beginning and move on to the stretching part of the workout. If I notice a weak spot or an area that can use a bit more tender loving care, I get out mymassage gunand bomb down on it.
It’s important to note that I don’t use massage guns for warm-ups or even cooldowns; I think they work bestduringthe workout. After the training, the muscles and tendons are worked to their limits; battering them with a pneumatic device won’t help them relax. Some gentle foam rolling might help, though.
Speaking of pneumatic devices: a new addition to my recovery arsenal is theTherabody RecoveryAir JetBoots– I can’t get enough of them. I use them separately and not as part of my stretching routine, but I’d like to think they help recover lower limbs after any workout, including stretching.
Even if you haven’t got any of the above tools, make sure you be careful and listen to your body.
FYI, foam rollers aren’t expensive; just have a look at today’s best foam roller deals below.
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