Unlocking the Surprising Health Perks of Flexibility

Regular stretching and flexibility exercises can be a great way to connect with your body and balance your mood.

There are many advantages of increasing flexibility in your body, such as easier movement while building strength and improved balance.

Let’s take a look at the benefits that flexibility provides.

6 Benefits of Flexibility

Reduction of Injuries

When your body is flexible it can withstand more physical stress, resulting in fewer injuries. Reducing muscle imbalances requires strengthening your muscles to keep them in a harmonious balance.

Less Pain

Think of it this way, the more you stretch the less overall pain you are likely to have. By lengthening and loosening your muscles, the tension, aches, and pains you may experience will likely decrease.

Posture and Balance Improvement 

By focusing on increasing the flexibility of your muscles, your balance and posture are likely to follow. By increasing motion and stretching, your overall structure and alignment may also improve.

Mood Boost

Regular stretching and flexibility exercises have been linked to having a positive state of mind. By incorporating breathing exercises into your stretching routine, the benefits can go beyond your body and cause relaxation of your mind, along with the ability to unwind.

Increased Strength 

It is ideal to increase muscle strength as you become more flexible. This will lead to stronger and more supportive stability of your muscles as you exercise.

Improvement in Physical Performance 

Research indicates that once you increase the flexibility of your body, this will lead to better overall physical performance.  

How to become more flexible

Practicing yoga is a great way to increase flexibility and strength. After warming up, add these exercises at least 4 times per week for 10-20 minutes a day. Additional details can be found here.

1. Downward-Facing Dog (Adho Mukha Svanasana)
2. Sun Salutations (Surya Namaskar)
3. Triangle Pose (Trikonasana)
4. Intense Side Stretch Pose (Parsvottanasana)
5. Two-knee spinal twist
6. Extended Puppy Pose

Although stretching is an amazing way to strengthen your body for overall good health, if you have chronic injuries or health issues, speak with your doctor before starting a new exercise regimen.