Flexibility workouts often become a second thought in the world of calisthenics and HIIT workouts. However, they’re essential and not only for people who want to avoid injury with higher-intensity exercises. Around 96% of employed people say they struggle with flexibility. As we age, our muscles become less elastic, and we need to take a more active role to get through daily tasks without pain and maintain our health.
Are you having trouble improving flexibility? Check out how to improve it with FitEngine, and for now, let’s look at some examples of flexibility workouts.
Why Flexibility Workouts?
Most of us are already aware of how much exercise is important, but what about flexibility? Do stretching or flexibility workouts take a backseat to HIIT workouts? Well, if they are taking a backseat to you, it needs to stop. Flexibility mobility workouts are easy to do anytime and anywhere and benefit your body.
Improving flexibility can benefit your body and positively affect your well-being. Let’s look at a few ways it will help before we get into the best flexibility workouts you can do:
- The body becomes more capable of withstanding more physical stress after developing flexibility. This is because it improves muscle imbalanceand reduces your chances of injury.
- Flexibility workoutsopen up muscles so a person will feel fewer aches and pain. They will also experience fewer muscle cramps.
- Your posture will also improve when you work on muscular flexibility and increase your range of motion.
The Best Flexibility Workouts
There are various flexibility workouts that you can try. Some examples are easy to understand and do anywhere, even if you don’t exercise regularly.
Slow Run
There is no need to do elaborate workouts to make the body more flexible. You can start with simple warm-up activities like a slow run or a brisk walk. The speed isn’t important, but you should still be careful. Remember to be careful if you already have an injury, as even a slow run may aggravate an existing one.
Forward Lunges
Forward lunges are an easy, flexible workout before moving to high-intensity workouts. It works the muscle groups and increases core stabilization. Just kneel on one leg and move the other forward at a right angle. Lunge forward while keeping the back straight. Make sure to hold each lunge for at least five seconds. Repeat three to six times in a set.
Lunge With Spinal Twist
Lunges are a great way to stretch and improve flexibility. Forward lunges are a common stretch; we just talked about how they can help your body. This is another type of lunge you can try.
If you have a bad posture or sit for long periods, try a lunge with a spinal twist. It works on the quads, back, and hip flexors. Start with feet shoulder-width apart and do a basic lunge position. If you step forward with your right foot, twist your upper body at the midsection, and don’t forget to engage your core and squeeze the glutes. In addition, don’t rotate your knees. Step back when done and repeat.
Standing Hamstring Stretch
Hamstring stretching workouts increase the body’s mobility and are beneficial for people in performing daily tasks. Since it improves the range of motion, walking up and down the stairs and bending over becomes easier. It’s simple as well.
Just stand tall with your knees slightly bent and feet a hip-width apart. Bend forward and lower your head toward the floor. Remember to relax your head and neck. Roll up when done. This flexibility workout will stretch the neck, glutes, and calves in addition to the hamstrings.
Standing Quad Stretches
Standing Quad stretches are great for improving the flexibility of the quadricep muscle group, especially after a knee injury or surgery. For this flexibility workout, start by standing with support against a wall or chair. Pull your foot up to your butt and hold for five seconds. Repeat three to six times.
Flexibility mobility workouts reduce the risk of injury and offer many benefits. Taking steps to be flexible is also a great way to connect with your body and mind because it will make you feel balanced overall.
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