Flexibility is a core benefit of the Bluearth approach. In this blog we talk about what flexibility is, why it’s so important, and how to improve your own levels of flexibility.
What is flexibility?
When we think of flexibility, it’s easy to think of someone doing the splits or touching their head with their toes. But it’s so much more than that.
Flexibility refers to the ability of muscles, joints, and soft tissues to move through a full range of motion, unrestricted and pain free, making it essential for everyday function.
While everyone has a different level of flexibility, minimum ranges are required for maintaining full body health.
Why is flexibility important?
Flexibility has many positive effects on the body and overall wellbeing. Below are some of the key benefits of flexibility.
Better posture and balance
Stretching and lengthening different muscle groups allows you to have proper alignment and correct any imbalances – improving your posture and the way you sit and stand.
Flexibility exercises like yoga have also been shown to lead to better overall balance.
Fewer sore muscles
Your body is likely to feel better overall when you lengthen and open your muscles. When your muscles are looser and less tense, you’ll experience fewer aches and pains – giving you a greater spring in your step.
As a bonus, you may be less likely to experience uncomfortable muscle cramps.
Decreased injury risk
Stiff muscles are prone to injury, so developing their flexibility and strength will allow you to withstand more physical stress – reducing your risk of injury. This will enable you to move with greater confidence day to day.
Improved function and performance
Flexibility and function go hand in hand. When you increase your flexibility to allow greater movement in your body, you’ll be able to perform better physically, both during everyday tasks and physical activity. This is in part because your muscles are working more efficiently and don’t need to strain as much to reach certain points.
How to improve your flexibility
The best way to improve your flexibility is by engaging in flexibility exercises such as stretching, yoga, tai chi, and pilates. All of these work on stretching the muscles, joints, and soft tissues within the body so they have the elasticity to move through a full range of motion without restriction or pain.
Whether it’s bending, twisting, or reaching to touch a certain part of your body, stretching motions are designed to lengthen and strengthen different muscle groups. When done consistently, stretching can help you boost your flexibility – allowing you to move your body more fluidly.
Even though we may never become flexible enough to contort our bodies like an acrobat, with consistency, time and patience we can reach a little higher, bend a little further, and maybe even sit cross-legged on the floor. To move our bodies more easily in more ways.