It is no secret that some people are more flexible than others. Depending on what you do throughout the day and the types of demands you place on your body, your degree of flexibility may not seem all that important to you. But the truth is that even people who are mostly sedentary are affected by flexibility.
Flexibility is basically the ability of your joints and muscles to move freely through their functional range of motion without pain or restriction. Newborn babies are extremely flexible because their joints and muscles are soft and elastic. Over time, daily movement patterns affect how muscles, connective tissues and joints develop and interact, and range of motion is gradually reduced.
Improved flexibility can make a huge difference in your daily life. Some of the most important benefits include:
- Improved blood circulation and lower risk of clots
- Increased neuromuscular coordination -more fluid movement & less injury risk
- Healthier, more elastic muscle tissue and improved joint function
- Reduced stiffness, with fewer aches and pains
- Improved balance and reduced risk of falls
- Reduced muscle fatigue and increased energy
- Increased lung capacity and improved breathing
- Reduced risk of back and joint pain
- Improved posture and a more youthful appearance with better gait mechanics
Things you can do to improve your flexibility
- Dynamic warmup exercises: Moving your muscles and joints through their range of motion with body weight exercises or light resistance before a workout warms them up, increases flexibility and prevents injury.
- Post-exercise stretches: Relaxed static stretches after a workout can increase flexibility and facilitate recovery.
- Resistance training: Controlled weight lifting exercises that take your muscles and joints through their full range of motion can help increase flexibility.
- Stress management: You tense up your muscles when you’re stressed, restricting movement and putting pressure on nerves. Learning to manage stress can reduce headaches, back pain, orofacial pain and more.
- Breathing: Deep controlled breathing that engages your diaphragm can help you relax and relieve tension throughout your body.
- Optimal hydration: Muscles need water to perform at their best and maintain elasticity, so drink up.
- Therapeutic massage: Massage can help relieve tension, release muscle knots and improve connective tissue elasticity.
Need more advice or treatment? Many health care experts at antarnaad are always here to help you out. Antarnaad is a growing network of experienced physiotherapists, dietitians and nutritionists, fitness trainers and Yoga experts providing treatment for all the conditions. For more information visit our website www.antarnaad.net or call our Consultant: Mb: 9899700187
