You know the languid, willowy gait that dancers and yoga teachers have? The gait prompts all heads to turn as one of these lithe creatures enters a room? That kind of at physical presence comes with flexibility work. This form of exercise encompasses any movement that stretches muscles, such as yoga. Muscles act like springs. If a muscle is short and tight, it loses the ability to absorb shock, so there is more strain on the joints. Stretching, in fact, is essential for healthy joints and for beauty – and healthy joints are essential for a youthful body that is free from a bowed, bent posture, or stiff movements.
Stretching also helps to lengthen muscles giving you more flexibility. Because we often lose our regular range of motion with age, stretching is especially important as we get older to help prevent sprains, strains, and falls – as well as to sustain a youthful-looking carriage. An easy way to incorporate flexibility work into your life is to perform 15 minutes worth of simple stretches before aerobic and strength-training workouts. Examples include bending at the waist and touching your toes, sitting with legs outstretched in front of you, and rolling your neck.
If you have trouble climbing out of a car or twisting to put on a coat, your joints are not flexible and the range of motion in your hips, neck, shoulders, and spine may be limited.
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