In my last blog I talked about the benefits of cardio, something I have recently incorporated more of into my fitness routine. Despite wanting to spend more of my fitness regimen doing cardio (with my biggest goal right now being to lose weight), I know that I also need flexibility exercises.
Flexibility exercises have many benefits. Perhaps you are like me when it’s time to stretch. You sit down on your bottom, stretch your legs out in front of you and attempt to reach your toes. Notice the word “attempt.” I can’t do that…yet.
But with flexibility exercises, my body will become more limber and I will be able to eventually reach those toes.
Flexibility exercises are techniques that involve stretching. Some will stretch your spine, calve muscles, tendons and so on. These exercises will also help improve your range of motion.
And if you aren’t familiar with what that means, it’s the direction and distance a joint can move until it reaches its full potential. A limited range of motion can be caused by injuries and diseases (such as arthritis) but it can also be caused by a lack of use.
Other benefits to flexibility exercises include reducing lower back pain, reducing the risk of injury and preventing muscle soreness. You will also improve your posture, blood flow and coordination.
Flexibility exercises can be done before or after a workout, as a way to warm up or cool down. But you can also do them as stand-alone exercises.
If you are looking for specific types, just Google “flexibility exercises” and you will get some direction. I personally love my Wii fitness program, “My Fitness Coach,” as you can choose a daily focus of flexibility.
Flexibility exercises should be a part of everyone’s fitness routine. Hopefully you have learned the many benefits to it.
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Photo by Perfecto Insecto in Flickr