The long term benefits of flexibility

We’ve all been told that stretching is good for our muscles, and being supple is the foundation for a rock-solid body that will stand the test of time. But what are the real long-term benefits of flexibility, why should you actually care, and what can you do to become more bendy?

First things first

 

A big facet of training for flexibility is that it isn’t as hard as it sounds. No lifting your entire body weight; no running a marathon; no sore muscles and cramps the next day.

Sounds good, right?

Why should you care?

 

Essentially, flexibility improves quality of life by improving muscle functionality. Flexibility, especially from stretching, makes your muscles ‘longer’, thereby making the possibilities for more ‘difficult’ exercises across various disciplines – ranging from weight lifting to cardio – much greater. For athletes this is vital, as it increases chances for better performance in any sport.

 

More supple, activated muscles also promote better blood flow, making for quicker recovery after a strenuous workout. As an added benefit, muscle that are more supple have more elasticity, which means that there is a far lesser chance of injury during exercise.

 

This is where the benefits kick in

 

In the long run, you’ll be doing your body a favour by protecting your muscles from permanent or frequent injuries. Think of flexibility as the motor oil for muscle preservation.

 

How to get flexible

 

The simplest way to start is be performing a few basic stretching exercises before- and after a workout. Stretch down while your hands attempting to touch your toes, do slow, deep lunges, roll your neck, stretch upwards and from side to side.

Investing in a foam roller to use post-exercise promotes muscle-suppleness by increasing blood flow and mitigating the effects of a strenuous workout on muscle recovery.

 

If you’d like to get supple and fit too, workouts like yoga, dancing and swimming will do the trick.  

 

Bringing it all together

 

By incorporating and sticking to a few basic exercises, you’ll be making improvements to your overall performancer in the gym and on the sportsfield, and keep your muscle fighting-fit for many years to come.