Improve Your Flexibility With These 3 Poses and Stretches

Some think that stretching is only performed by sportspeople, especially before they practice or compete. This can’t be any farther from the truth.

 

Even if you do not participate in any kind of physical activity, it’s essential to keep your joints mobile and flexible. Doing so will help you keep these parts pain-free and healthy. Stretching will also enable you to keep enjoying your favourite activities, whether it be taking a morning stroll or watering your plants. Ultimately, it can also help you relax and de-stress.

On that note, there are various ways to stretch your muscles and joints. If this is your first time exploring this activity, you may want to try out the following full-body poses and stretches—but be sure to warm-up first!  

1. Split Leg Hamstring Stretch

The name may sound intimidating, but there’s a good chance you’ve already seen this pose before.

To begin, stand with your feet apart, farther than shoulder-width. Next, bend over at the waist whilst keeping both of your knees locked. You’re on the right track if you’re keeping that upside-down ‘V’ straight.

Go down slowly until you feel the tension in your legs’ hamstrings. Go down as far as you can—try to grab the back of your heels if possible. Then, hold the position for 30 seconds to a minute. This stretch will target your lower back and hamstrings.

2. Cat Stretch

This is a good stretch to try if you want to release the tension in your back and neck.

To begin, kneel on all your fours; your wrists should be underneath your shoulders and your knees right under your hips. Then, round your spine towards the ceiling whilst pressing your hands onto the floor. As the name suggests, this position is a lot like a cat doing a stretch after a nap.

Hold this pose for five to ten seconds before returning to your initial position; then, repeat as you prefer. 

3. Upward-Facing Dog

If the cat stretch improves your lower back and neck’s flexibility, this pose engages your lower back, abs and shoulders.

In this position, you will start with the bottom of a push-up position. However, instead of pushing yourself up, let your legs and hips stay on the floor. Then, lift your torso off the ground whilst keeping your arms locked. You’re doing it right if you’re forming a letter ‘C’ with your upper body. 

You should feel the stretch in your back as well as your abdominal muscles. For the best results, hold this stretch for at least 30 seconds and for as long as you can.

Conclusion

These are just three of the many poses and stretches that you can try. If you are interested in increasing your flexibility further, you can find more resources and guides online. However, keep in mind that not all stretches will be suitable for your body. Some may even put unnecessary stress on your joints and muscles.

If you are serious about staying fit and limber, consider undergoing assisted stretching training. Going down this route will enable you to hit your flexibility goals safely and successfully.

Interested in trying out stretch classes in Sydney? You’ve come to the right place! Our trained flexologists at Stretch Studio will work with you one-on-one to customise an Assisted Stretching treatment plan that’s right for your body. Book a stretch today!