Flexibility is important for our body and mind
What is flexibility
Flexibility training is purposefully stretching and strengthening muscles so the surrounding joints can efficiently move through a full range of motion (ROM). With my flexibility classes, we focus on strengthening and lengthening our muscles and fascia, finding body awareness within ourselves, and lowering our risk of injury.
Why flexibility is important for your body
Flexibility should be regularly practiced in order to improve and help us with our functional abilities, such as reaching, and bending as well as in order to keep our bodies and minds healthy. Many of us are in the same position throughout the day, which not only creates poor posture but tight – and sore – muscles. Flexibility practice helps us prevent injury by improving our joint health and balance by purposefully working joints and muscles that may otherwise go neglected throughout our day-to-day.
Why flexibility is important for your heart
Flexibility practice not only reduces blood pressure and lowers the risk of cardiovascular disease, it also provides the necessary foundation for aerobic and strength practices.
Why flexibility is important for your mind
As mentioned in our last issue, movement and intentional breathing are known stress relievers. Flexibility movements can keep your mind calm as it focuses on your body and brings you inward.
Don’t forget to warm up
In order to practice flexibility safely and effectively, we need to warm up. Warming our bodies up helps allow the oxygen within our blood to move more freely, which relieves stress on our heart, as more blood is provided to our hard-working muscles. Warming up is also crucial for our joints. We want our bodies synovial fluids flowing and acting as a lubricant for our joints.
And, do I have to say it? Be sure to stay hydrated!