5 Ways to Improve Your Flexibility

Poor flexibility is a problem that affects many people in the world. You may not feel like it's such a big deal, but when you can't fully extend your body and move how you want to, it can lead to muscle tightness and pain. Fortunately, there are known techniques and exercises that help alleviate these problems and achieve flexibility goals. 

If you're interested in improving your overall health and wellness with increased mobility, then keep on reading! Also, if you’re on the lookout for personal training services in Vacaville, CA, you’ll get excellent advice for increasing your flexibility from local experts.

What causes poor flexibility?

There are several causes that contribute to decreased mobility and flexibility. These are the main factors: 

• Age: As we get older, our muscles tend to shrink and lose their elasticity. This is due to a number of factors such as inactivity, lack of use, and the natural process of aging.
• Genetics: Some people have a naturally higher number of fast-twitch muscle fibers, which result in increased speed but lower endurance. This means that their muscles are tighter and less flexible than others.
• Posture: Poor posture can cause the muscles in your back and neck to become tight and shortened. If you constantly lean forward while sitting or standing, this can lead to muscle tension and pain over time.
• Lifestyle: Your daily activities can also impact your flexibility level. For example, if you work in an office environment where you sit all day long without moving around much, it will affect the muscles in your legs.
• Training: The type and intensity level of an activity can affect flexibility as well. People who do aerobic training for long periods may experience decreased range of motion. On the other hand, people who regularly stretch may have a higher flexibility level because their muscles are used to being lengthened.

How can you increase your flexibility?

There are many ways to increase your muscle mobility, but not all methods work for everyone. The best way to find out what works for you is to try different strategies and see what works. Here are some effective ways to increase flexibility: 

Stretching exercises 

Stretching is one of the most commonly known ways to improve muscle range of motion and gain greater flexibility in your body. There are many different stretching techniques, but they usually include holding a stretch for around 20-30 seconds at least three times per day.

Yoga 

Yoga is a great way to increase flexibility because it involves many different stretching exercises that target multiple parts of the body simultaneously. It has been shown to improve muscle range of motion, balance and coordination, posture, strength, and overall health. Yoga is also beneficial for improving breathing techniques, that can also benefit your overall fitness.

Everyday activities 

Regularly taking part in light physical activity can also help improve your muscle flexibility. For example, walking and biking are great exercises for the lower body muscles, while swimming is a good way to stretch out the entire body.

Water aerobics 

Another activity that is beneficial for increasing overall body flexibility is water aerobics. This workout involves doing a variety of movements in water that help to stretch and elongate the muscles.

Weightlifting 

Contrary to popular belief, weightlifting can actually help improve muscle flexibility if done correctly. Lifting weights that are too heavy or doing squats incorrectly, for example, can lead to decreased range of motion and tightness in the muscles.

Who provides reliable personal training services in Vacaville, CA, and the vicinity? 

Whether your goal is achieving an ideal BMI or toning your body, improving your overall health, or boosting your strength and endurance, Maximum Fitness is at your disposal. We’re located just a couple of blocks away from Andrews Park, so you can’t miss us! We have a variety of equipment, qualified and friendly staff, and ample experience, that has made us a household name in Vacaville.

If you’d like to know how we can help you out with your personal goals, give us a call today at 707 447 0606! We’re looking forward to seeing you soon!