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Try These 5 Flexibility Exercises For Movement

What are flexibility exercises? Simply put flexibility exercises are any movements that assist your body in developing a wider range of motion. Flexibility exercises can also relief pain and stiffness that develops in the joints and muscles of the body. When done correctly flexibility exercises will assist you in preventing exercise related injuries.

Flexibility exercises are not just for increasing flexibility; they can help prevent arthritis pain and can increase overall strength. Arthritis can actually develop in the joints because of a lack of movement. If you’re a coach potato its time to take action to preserve your joints before painful arthritis pain develops. Just fifteen minutes a day can put you on the right track to prevent painful arthritis pain.

For those of us who already suffer from arthritis regular flexibility exercises can decrease the stress on the joints of the body and make the pain more manageable. There are several exercises that help you to increase flexibility. Among the more popular flexibility exercises are yoga, Pilates, tai chi, swimming exercises and stretching.

1. Yoga

Yoga is a low impact workout that is mainly a wide series of different stretches. It is the wide range of exercises done and the strength needed to complete each exercise that makes it a great way to increase flexibility. Yoga can be completed at many different fitness levels but beginners should focus on learning proper breathing techniques and completing each movement slowly to develop control. The wide array of yoga exercises makes it possible to increase flexibility in only a few sessions.

2. Tai chi

The marital art of tai chi carries a lot of health benefits. The gentle flow of movements used, allow your body to naturally gain coordination, flexibility and strength. Tai chi covers a wide range of exercises from standing to sitting movements. It’s the wide range of motion used and tai chi’s ability to engage every muscle in the body that makes it so effective at increasing flexibility.

3. Stretching

When done correctly stretching will improve your flexibility. It’s important that while stretching you don’t over extend your body. It’s important to take your time and no movements should cause pain. Although commonly performed before exercise stretching exercises can be performed at any time to increase your range of motion. Remember stretching should feel good if stretching causes you any pain you probably aren’t doing it right.

4. Pilates

Since its creation in the early twentieth century Pilates has been based on the principles of increasing flexibility and learning to strengthen the muscles in the body. In fact regular practitioners of Pilates notice a dramatic improvement in their posture, balance and circulation. Because of Pilates ability to use the bodies own weight to create resistance it’s a great way to increase muscle strength and exercise endurance.

5. Water exercises

Because of the weight less feeling that occurs when being under water it’s a stress free way to exercise. The resistance that it requires to complete exercises under the water also make it a great way to improve your flexibility. To achieve the most benefits from water exercises sign up for a class. If you choose to practice water exercises on your own ensure you use a wide variety of exercises to ensure you engage different muscles in the body.

Don’t limit yourself to these five exercises only. Any exercise program that forces your body to stretch and involves using different muscle groups will help you to increase your flexibility. Try dancing, doing ballet, or even gymnastics and see how fast your range of motion increases!