Stretching Exercises for Improved Flexibility

Stretching exercises are a crucial part of any workout. Before performing cardiovascular activity, you should stretch for about ten minutes to warm up your body and improve your flexibility. When performing stretching exercises, it’s normal to feel a stretch that may border on discomfort, but you should never feel pain. Only stretch as far as you comfortably can to avoid injury. With regular practice, you’ll find that you’re able to stretch further as time progresses. Here are some great stretching exercises that can work for most everyone:

Neck 1. Bend head so that your ear is close to your shoulder. Repeat on opposite side. Do two sets of ten. 2. Look to one side. Bring head back to front position, then look to the other side. Do two sets of ten. 3. Bring your chin to your chest. Then return to face forward position. Lean head back. Return to face forward position. Repeat 10 to 20 times.

Arms, Shoulders and Back 1. Clasp fingers together with palms facing out. Extend arms at shoulder height until you feel a good stretch. 2. Stand with feet shoulder-width apart. Reach up and grab elbow with opposite hand while stretching to the side. Repeat with other arm. Do at least ten times on each side. 3. Bend at the waist, keeping back straight as if it’s a table. Touch hands to floor and hold for several moments. Slowly roll your body back to an upright position. Repeat ten times.

Legs 1. Stand close to the wall and use it for balance. Then, bend one leg and touch your foot to the opposite knee. Hold for a few moments. Repeat with other leg. Do two sets of ten. 2. Place feet together with hands on hips. Bend with the knees until you look like you could be sitting in an imaginary chair. Hold for a few moments. Repeat ten times. 3. Sit on the floor. Spread legs as wide as you comfortably can. Try to reach your feet with your fingers and slowly bend until your nose is pointing towards the ground. Lean forward as far as you comfortably can. Repeat ten times.Entire Body Lie down on floor with legs together and arms above your head. Reach with your hands and feet in both directions to give the entire body a great stretch. Hold for a few moments, then release. Repeat as many times as you like.