How To Increase Flexibility

Do you face stiffness while walking? Do your back muscles and knee muscles pain while sitting down and getting up? If the answer is yes, then all these are signs of tensed and inflexible muscles. Stiffness in muscles can cause a lot of pain and injury, and can affect the movement of other parts of the body. Therefore, it is important to have a flexible body which will create no problems or restrictions in our movements. A flexible body is a sign of good health and comfortable lifestyle. Some people are born with flexible muscles and they face no problems relating to muscle or joint pains and injuries. However, majority of the population needs to sweat their way out to a flexible and fit body structure. There are many benefits of a flexible body. Having a flexible body not only reduces joint stiffness, but also helps to improve body posture and balance. A balanced and flexible posture makes day to day activities easier and enjoyable. Here are some useful ways to increase your flexibility. Read on to gain more knowledge.

Flexibility Stretches

Head Tilt
The head tilt is a very effective exercise to deal with any tension or stiffness in the neck. The head tilt stretches the major muscle of the neck and relaxes the neck muscle while reducing stress.

Shoulder Rolls
A tight and stiff shoulder muscle can make you feel that you are carrying the entire world’s weight. In order to relax and loosen your shoulder muscle, roll your shoulders frontward and backward. Shoulder rolls are very effective for a tensed shoulder and will provide considerable relief.

Calf Stretch
The calves consist of two muscles called gastronomies and the soleus. These muscles can cause a lot of problem if they become tight and stiff. It is therefore advisable to perform the calf stretch before and after exercise in order to get relief from pain in the calves.

Quadriceps Stretch
Quadriceps stretch helps in relaxing the upper, front part of the thighs. You should try out the quadriceps before and after your exercise in order to relieve your thigh muscles from a tense state. 

Forward Bending
Forward bending is another important exercise in order to make one more flexible. Stand up straight with your legs together to perform this exercise. Now stretch your hands till a comfortable position. Keep your hands in the position till the time you can. Repeat this exercise some 4-5 times every day and find yourself more flexible within few days.

Sideways Bending
Another stretching exercise that will help your muscles get flexible is the sideways bend. Stand up straight with your legs apart to perform the exercise. Place one hand on your waist and raise the other hand on top of your head. Try to bend the raised hand sideways without bending the elbow, till the point your body allows. Repeat the same procedure in the opposite direction.

Pilates Exercise
Sit down on the floor with your legs stretched and shoulder width apart in front of you. Stretch your hands sideways in line with your shoulders. Inhale slowly and turn your body keeping your hips even with the help of your abs. Try and touch the little finger of the hand in front with your back hand, by stretching forward across the opposite foot. Exhale slowly while stretching further to the farthest point. Stay in the position for a while and return to the starting position, breathing slowly. Perform the procedure at least three times on each side in order to achieve a flexible body.