 Improved flexibility produces a wide range of physical benefits and can have a positive effect on your overall well-being. Having flexibility is an important part of keeping your body in motion and healthy. Stretching your muscles and joints also leads to greater range of motion, increased flexibility, and improved balance, strength and stability.
Taking steps to become more flexible can be a great way to connect with yourself and your body to improve your overall well-being. Here are just a few ways that increased flexibility is likely to help you stay active and healthy:
- Fewer injuries – Once you develop strength and flexibility in your body, you’ll be able to withstand more physical stress. Plus, you’ll rid your body of any muscle imbalances, which will reduce your chance of getting injured during physical activity. Correcting muscle imbalances requires a combination of strengthening the underactive muscles and stretching the overactive (tight) ones.
- Less pain – Your body is likely to feel better overall once you work on lengthening and opening your muscles. When your muscles are looser and less tense, you’ll experience fewer aches and pains. Plus, you may be less likely to experience muscle cramps.
- Improved posture and balance – When you focus on increasing muscular flexibility, your posture is likely to improve. Working out your body allows you to have proper alignment and correct any imbalances. In addition, you may find it easier to sit or stand in certain ways.
- A positive state of mind – Regularly engaging in poses that stretch and open up your body can bring about feelings of relaxation. The physical benefits can extend to a relaxed state of mind. You may find it easier to unwind once your body feels better.
- Greater strength – It’s important to increase strength as you become more flexible. This ensures your muscles will have the right amount of tension so that they’re strong enough to support you and your movements, allowing you to become more physically fit.
- Improved physical performance – Once you increase your flexibility to allow greater movement in your body, you’ll be able to perform better physically. This is in part because your muscles are working more effectively.
If you prefer to do your stretching at home, the best approach is to start with around 10 minutes each day that’s devoted to lengthening the major muscle groups of the upper body and the lower body, including the shoulders, arms, neck, lower back, calves, thighs, hamstrings and ankles.
The practice of yoga is also a popular way to increase mobility and flexibility. As an Independent Health member, you can save money on various yoga classes throughout Western New York. Check out our Wellness Discounts to learn more. |
