flexibility exercises

Why is it important to balance strength and flexibility exercises?

If you do all strength and do nothing for flexibility, you'll tighten up and walk around like Frankenstein.

Well, that's a bit extreme, but you know how those over-developed guys walk in the gym? That's lack of flexibility.

If you lack flexibility, you're more likely to pull muscles, suffer from rotator cuff injuries and stuff like that.

Stretch yourself to a flexible body

Flexibility can be well defined as the range of motion of a joint and is generally obtained by stretching exercises. Flexibility exercise can help reduce muscle soreness, risk of injuries, bend and twist easily without much effort etc. Hence, these exercises are highly recommended before and after the work out. Flexibility of the body is achieved only by practice. Certain factors limit the flexibility like age, shape of joints, type of joints, elasticity of tendons and ligaments, bony structure etc.

Flexibility and stretching go hand in hand. The more efficiently you perform stretching exercises the more flexible you become. And the more flexible you are, the better you can stretch. Stretching exercises are of varying complexities and it is very necessary to perform these stretches in a slow and gradual manner. No stretching exercise ever consists of any jerky movements. Flexibility stretching exercises are no different. But, it should be noted that if done in the wrong way, like any other stretching exercise, flexibility stretches will also have adverse effects and might prove harmful to the body. Hence, it is suggested that you stretch only after understanding the exercise thoroughly and if possible, under the guidance of an experienced yoga trainer.

Some points have to be kept in mind while performing stretching exercises:

• Avoid stretching injured muscles.

• The stretch should be performed slowly without any jerks.

• Repeat each stretch at least 3-4 times

• Avoid stretching till you experience pain in your joints and muscles

There are different types of flexibility:

• Dynamic flexibility- Ability to perform kinetic movements through full range of motion. In this type of stretch jerky movements and stretches are avoided.

• Static active flexibility- Ability to maintain extended position using tension and without any external support

• Static passive flexibility- Ability to maintain extended position using only body weight

One of the commonly used flexibility exercise is the static stretch. It is the most simple and involves less movement of the muscles and joints. Static stretch is nowadays recommended after activity when the body is warm and when maximal stretching can occur. Static stretching after workout is said to decrease muscle soreness and increase muscle length. E.g. of static stretch: Bicep stretch, chest stretch, back stretch, shoulder stretch, abdominal stretch.

Dynamic stretches can be done after a warm up and should be started with very low intensity which can be increased gradually. It helps in reducing muscle tightness. Dynamic stretching is generally used by tennis players. E.g. of dynamic stretch: Arm swing, side bend, full back stretch, hamstring stretch, leg swing.

Few examples of stretching exercises which help to increase flexibility are forward/backward bend, hamstring stretch, calf stretch, spine stretch, cobra pose, bow pose, abdomen crunches, etc.

There is a stretching recommended sequence which if followed can be beneficial:

• Warm up
• Dynamic stretch
• Training
• Static stretch

If you can maintain a regular and systematic stretching exercise schedule, gaining flexibility is not a problem.

DefaultNewest arrivalsFeatured itemsPrice: low to highPrice: high to lowBy RelevanceAverage customer review: high to low

Crescent Moon Convertible Yoga Tote Sale Price: $79.99 See Reviews For This Product Description This innovative design provides the ultimate in functionality and style The Convertible Yoga Tote is elegant enough to carry as a regular tote, but its integrated adjustable mat wrap allows it to also carry your Yoga andor Pilates mat to and from your practice. Features Adjustable mat wrap will hold all size mats and practice rugs Use this bag everyday as a stylish tote in addition to carrying your mat Fully lined interior with zippered pocket

Crescent Moon St. Tropez Sale Price: $59.99 - $99.99 See Reviews For This Product Description The definintion of casual elegance. The unique sea-grass and leather carryall is the perfect accessory for the spa, studio or even the beach. Features Natural sea-grass and full grain leather trim Adjustable shoulder straps Fully-lined interior with zippered pocket for personal items

Gaiam Gripping Nonslip Yoga Socks - S/M Sale Price: $7.99   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 3-4 business days See Reviews For This Product Description 95-9247 S/M Size: Small / Medium Features: -No slip yoga socks. -Color: Black. -Gives you the toe-wiggling freedom of being barefoot and the slip-free security of your yoga mat. -Offer slip-resistant performance specially created for practicing yoga and Pilates. -Comfortable socks reduce exposure to foot fungus. -Made of cotton. -Machine wash and air dry. -Weight: 1 lb. -Available in the following sizes:. -Medium / Large: Sizes 10 - 11 for women's and 10 - 12 for men's. -Small / Medium: Sizes 5 - 10 for women's and 4 - 9 for men's. Features A nonslip performance sock created for yoga and Pilates Gives you the toe-wiggling freedom of being barefoot and the slip-free security of your yoga mat Cotton. Machine wash; air dry Black...Women's S/M (6-8) A Gaiam Exclusive!

Gaiam Gripping Nonslip Yoga Socks - M/L Sale Price: $7.99   Eligible for free shipping! Availability: Usually ships in 3-4 business days See Reviews For This Product Description 95-9247 M/L Size: Medium / Large Features: -No slip yoga socks. -Color: Black. -Gives you the toe-wiggling freedom of being barefoot and the slip-free security of your yoga mat. -Offer slip-resistant performance specially created for practicing yoga and Pilates. -Comfortable socks reduce exposure to foot fungus. -Made of cotton. -Machine wash and air dry. -Weight: 1 lb. -Available in the following sizes:. -Medium / Large: Sizes 10 - 11 for women's and 10 - 12 for men's. -Small / Medium: Sizes 5 - 10 for women's and 4 - 9 for men's. Features A nonslip performance sock created for yoga and Pilates Gives you the toe-wiggling freedom of being barefoot and the slip-free security of your yoga mat Cotton. Machine wash; air dry Black...Women's Medium / Large (10-11) A Gaiam Exclusive!