Rise and Exercise

People often neglect flexibility. When we go to the gym, we are worried about running or lifting weights; We never think to take time out to stretch. Flexibility is difficult to achieve. There is always room for improvement in stretching, this is why it is difficult to keep a routine of stretching. Many people do not like stretching, because it takes so long to see results in their flexibility. However, the importance of flexibility cannot be stressed enough.

As you get older, your muscles begin to lose strength and mobility. You often hear older people complaining about stiffness in their muscles and joints, and this could be a lack of stretching these muscles groups or joints. Another reason for stiffness and lack of mobility is just simply from being inactive. It is a common known fact that being physically active will prolong our life, and keep our physical body components healthier, however, people forget that stretching can be a key factor in this. The loss of flexibility can lead to permanent changes in your muscles and your posture. It is critical to not only be physically fit, but to also be flexible as well.

There are more people that struggle with flexibility than you would think. For example, if you feel any discomfort when you reach down to touch your toes, this means you need to do more flexibility stretches in your day.

Adding stretching to achieve flexibility is easy and you do not have to spend too much time on it. Even just stretching for 10-15 minutes each day will do wonders for your body. If you really want to see results in your flexibility, you really should be stretching at least once a day. The best way to stretch is to find a routine that works for your body and then practice regularly at home. However, it is actually easier, safer, and more useful to attend a class that already has a stretch routine, such as Yoga or Pilates.

You will see great improvements if you attend a yoga class regularly. If you do choose to stretch at home, you need to be extremely careful. First, do some research on certain stretches and make sure you are doing them absolutely correct. Second, when you are in the stretch make sure their is no pain AT ALL. There may be a slight discomfort, but that is all you should feel. After you have found your sweet spot in that certain posture, hold the stretch for 30 seconds. This is how you will see the most improvement in your flexibility.

If you are regularly stretching and making sure to be safe in your postures, flexibility will soon bless your life. You will see and feel the results in your body, and your body will thank you for that. I cannot stress the importance of stretching enough. If we do not maintain flexibility, our muscles and posture will dramatically change and you may feel sore and tight the rest of your life. Remember that “Objects in motion stay in motion”. Every time I make up an excuse not to stretch, I think of this saying. If I choose to sit and watch television, my muscles and joints are being neglected, therefore I am causing them to lose mobility. This is fine every once in a while, but if you choose to be sedentary often, you will see lack of mobility in your body later on, which can prevent you from attending in any physical activity.