10 Ways to Improve Your Flexibility Grand Rapids MI

Flexibility training keeps your muscles and ligaments pliable, resilient, and able to adjust to the rapidly changing demands of exercise.  It also increases range of motion, improves circulation, and decreases stress. People who don't practice flexibility exercises get hurt more frequently than those who do. But what kind of exercises should you do?  We've got ten moves to get you all stretched out. 

The Basics:

The expert recommends people warm up before flexibility training with ten minutes of light exercise or stretch after exercising. Take it easy. If you feel pain, you're going too far. Hold stretches for 10-30 seconds. Don't bounce and remember to breathe.

1) Standing Forward Bend. Start in a standing position, hands on hips. Bend from the hips, keeping your torso long. Place your hands (or fingertips) on the floor in front of your feet.  Bend your knees as needed. Hang your head between your shoulder blades. Put your hands back on your hips and roll up slowly.

2) Standing Half-Forward Bend. Start with standing forward bend.  Straighten your elbows and back and arch your torso away from your thighs. Place your hands on your shins if necessary or bend knees slightly.  Look forward, reach forward and return to forward bend before rolling up.

3) Standing Side Bend. Start in a standing position with feet together, back straight and arms above your head.  Clasp your right wrist with your left hand and bend to the left. Switch hands and bend to the right...

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