If you are 32 or over you are probably becoming aware that your
flexibility and mobility are... well.. changing.
Picking things up from the floor, reaching to the top of the refrigerator, or even turning around to fast can lead to an injury.
Flexibility is the secret ingredient to your daily routine that will allow you to move around freely and safely.
Have you ever walked down a flight of steps and missed a step? Having to extend your leg out further than normal can cause serious injury or lead to you falling if you do not have the flexibility to handle such a mishap.
The Decline
Flexibility gradually declines as the year go by because muscles shorten in length and get stiff. Asking a short, tight muscle to contract to suddenly or without a proper warm up will certainly put you at risk for strains, pulls, and joint pain. Even a normal day to day activity like reaching into your back pocket can become difficult.
Stretching Benefits
Think about the shirt or pair of pants you've had for a few years. The more you stretch the elastic in the collar or around the waist, the longer it becomes. Because we want long and lean muscles, we need to stretch or muscles consistently to make them longer.
Longer muscles allow for increase range of motion, reduced risk of injury, improved balance, improve posture, and reduce joint pain.
3 Ways To Regain Flexibility
1. Perform dynamic stretches before starting your static stretch routine.
2. Start with just 4 minutes and add a minute every other day. Strive for 20 minutes of total stretch time per day.
3. Stick with a program. Your flexibility will not drastically improve over night. Week by week you will begin to notice the improvements.
For customized stretching programs, contact MrPainInThePark@gmail.com