Introduction: What is Flexibility?

The Meaning of Flexibility and why it is so important for our body

Flexibility is a term that can be defined in many ways, but the simplest definition is the ability to bend and stretch. In the human body, it refers to the range of motion that a joint has. This range of motion can be increased by stretching, which is why it is important to focus on flexibility when trying to improve your health and fitness levels.

Flexibility can also refer to a person’s ability to adapt or change their behavior or attitudes in response to new circumstances. It's important for our body because it helps with joint movement, muscle recovery time, and overall health and fitness levels.

Flexibility is important for the physical effects of ageing and injury

As we age, our bodies are not as flexible as they once were. This can have a negative impact on our health and quality of life. With the right care, flexibility is something that you can maintain throughout your life.

The physical effects of ageing and injury are not always obvious to us. When you have injuries or illnesses that affect your mobility, it may be difficult to stay active and maintain a healthy lifestyle.

There are many ways that you can increase your flexibility and avoid these negative effects on your health - exercises such as stretching, yoga, pilates, and tai chi will all have profound effects for the bodies ability to stretch .

How can I improve my Flexibility?

Flexibility is a skill that does not come easily to everyone. But with some determination and practice, you can become a more flexible person.

The first thing you need to do is stretch your muscles. You can do this by using static stretches or dynamic stretches. Static stretching is when you hold a stretch for 30 seconds at a time, and dynamic stretching is when you move through the full range of motion as quickly as possible.

After that, you should do some exercises that target your flexibility specifically, such as yoga or Pilates.

Lastly, make sure to incorporate stretching into your daily routine- try doing it before and after working out or after sitting for long periods of time. 

What are the best Flexibility Exercises ?

Flexibility is the ability to move your joints and connective tissues through a full range of motion. It is crucial for injury prevention as well as performance. The best exercises for flexibility are those that stretch the muscles and joints in a way that allows them to move freely without pain or stiffness.

Standing Hamstring Stretch

• Stand tall with your feet hip-width apart, knees slightly bent, arms by your sides.

• Wrap your arms around backs of your legs and hold anywhere from 45 seconds to two minutes.Once you're done with the exercise, bend your knees and roll up.

Triceps Stretch

• Kneel, sit or stand tall with your feet hip-width apart and your arms raised overhead.

• Reach your right arm up and forward to touch the top of your back just below the shoulder blade. Reach your left hand overhead and grasp just below your right elbow. Gently pull the right arm down and towards the head by bending at the elbow. Switch arms and repeat

Butterfly Stretch

• Kneel down on the floor, tilting your upper leg forward and your lower leg backward. Plant your hands at the ground in-front of you. Slowly tilt your upper body back, lowering it onto the ground. You can place a cushion or folded blanket under your bottom for comfort- is good! Slowly lower your body towards your feet, focusing on keeping your abs engaged. Pressing your knees against the floor can be helpful for stability.

• If you can't bend over or like to sit in a chair when you pee, then put your knees right down against the toilet seat.

• The best stretches are ones that are comfortable enough to be held for 30 seconds to 2 minutes.

There are many different types of stretches, but they all have one thing in common: they should be done gently and not to the point where it hurts or feels uncomfortable. Stretching should always be done after warming up, before exercising, and after exercising.

Here is a 30 minute full body stretch video you can practice at home