Stretching exercises for improved flexibility

Stretching Exercises - Freedom Of Movement

Stretching exercises are about learning how to relax in a comfortable, individual way. Stretching allows you to get back in touch with your body, with the way you feel. And the more in tune you are with your body, the more active you want to be.
woman stretching

Stretching exercises are thought to give you more freedom of movement to do the things you need to do and the things you like to do. The importance of flexibility as a building block of fitness has been long overlooked. That's changing fast as people 50 and older discover the mental and physical health benefits of yoga, Tai Chi, and other mind-body exercises that embody flexibility.

An Everyday Reward

Stretching exercises help keep your muscles loose, which improves your flexibility, or ability to bend without hurting yourself. Regular stretching can make you more mobile, making it easier to bend down, as well as reach for things in cupboards. It's like a reward that you can feel every day.

There are other rewards too. Staying flexible can help you:

Improve and maintain your range of motion, which improves balance

Prevent falls

Relieve chronic pain

Reduce tension and stress

Improve circulation and concentration

Boost your energy

Improve your posture

Preventing Injuries

People often stretch to avoid getting hurt when they work out or play sports. But a recent study concluded there's no scientific evidence to show that competitive or recreational athletes who stretch before or after exercise reduce their risk of injury. The jury is still out on this issue. Stretching may have a protective effect, but it’s not known for sure.

What's seems to be key in the injury-prevention debate is how often you stretch. Habitual stretching that you do over a period of time, such as a yoga or stretch class, can reduce your risk of injury. Acute bouts of stretching, or stretching that you do only before and after your workouts, won't reduce your risk of injury.

Flexibility Activities

Here are some activities you can try to improve your flexibility. They also can build strength, balance, or both:

Yoga

Pilates

Ballet, modern dance

Swimming

Balance or stability ball exercises

Don’t Bend Over Before . . .

When starting out, you should learn proper stretching techniques and procedures in order to minimize the chance of injury. You can look for well illustrated stretching exercises in books or online, or work with a fitness coach or other movement specialist who can help you start out right.

If you already have tightness problems with certain parts of your body , such as your lower back, get specific guidance on the exercises that will help you the most.

On Line Fitness Coaching Services and F.R.E.E fitness analysis

We are now offering on line fitness coaching . We will only be accepting a limited number of people to coach so that they can each be given the attention they deserve.

Here are some of the benefits you can expect from on line fitness coaching:

Expert advice from a Certified Professional - learn what to do and how to do it. This will empower you to lifestyle changes.

Flexible and convenient - exercise anytime and anywhere. You can workout at home, in the gym, outdoors, while away on business and even on vacation. You exercise on your own schedule whenever you choose.

Results oriented - your work with your coach is very focused and based on your personal goals, whether you want to lose weight, have more energy or run a marathon. Your program is designed to meet your goals.

Affordable - On line fitness coaching costs a fraction of what it would cost to get the same results with a personal trainer. On line coaching usually costs about 10% of what a personal trainer charges.

Most importantly - you will learn to be your own coach.

Click here to check out our coaching services and to get a f.r.e.e fitness analysis.

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