Theres a good chance youre reading this whilesitting down at your desk.
Or lounging on your couch.
Or withering away on a bus, a train, or a plane.
Design by Channing Smith
(Hey, weve been there.)
Unsurprisingly, this can have a negative effect on our overall health.
If numbness, tingling, or pain arises during this warm-up, youve likely done too much.
Stretch by April Sutton / Photo by Randy Sutton
Factors such as age, fitness level, orexercise during pregnancycan also come in to play.
Why are flexibility exercises important?
And can you become flexible at any age?
Stretch by April Sutton / Photo by Randy Sutton
Without healing or retraining the area, he adds, chronic tightness may occur.
And in case you were wondering, yes, youcanbecome flexible at any age.
So is building muscle.
Stretch by April Sutton / Photo by Randy Sutton
When starting out, remember that slow is always the best way to go.
In short, anyone at any fitness level can stretch and get flexible.
Its just a matter of taking your time and welcoming modifications wherever needed.
Stretch by April Sutton / Photo by Randy Sutton
You know your body and its capabilities best.
How long should I stretch a day?
Ideally, full-body stretch sessions should happen every day.
Stretch by Keith Ilagan / Photo by Dr. Neil Guintu
As is the case with many things in life, becoming more flexible is rooted in consistency.
TheAmerican College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommends stretching for up to 60 seconds each day.
Committing to 60 seconds at least two or three days per week is key.
Stretch by Keith Ilagan / Photo by Dr. Neil Guintu
Think of flexibility as strength training.
Ready to get started?
What are the best flexibility exercises for better mobility?
Stretch by Keith Ilagan / Photo by Dr. Neil Guintu
As Sutton says, Learn to connect to mind and body awareness.
If a certain area in your body feels tight, stretch it out.
Stretching these muscles will help decrease the likelihood of sprained or torn ankles.
Stretch by April Sutton / Photo by Randy Sutton
Tight hamstrings can have a big effect on hips and the lower back.
This stretch helps to increase flexibility in the glutes, hips, and lower back, says Sutton.
For a deeper stretch, place your hands on your knees.
Stretch by April Sutton / Photo by Randy Sutton
Anyone familiar withyoga poseswill recognize this one.
Childs Pose allows for gentle decompression of the spine that can be done anywhere, says Cruz.
For a little spice, alternate elongating your reach for a deeper stretch.
Stretch by April Sutton / Photo by Randy Sutton
Looking for back stretches for flexibility?
This lower-body exercise can be incorporated into any workout routine.
The less tight the glutes, the less susceptible you are to hip flexor tightness, says Sutton.
Stretch by April Sutton / Photo by Randy Sutton
I recommend this stretch after running or cycling.
Squatting with better range of motion will prevent any discomfort in the lower back and knees.
This stretch helps increase blood flow in the inner thighs and hamstrings as well, says Sutton.
Its an intense inner leg stretch that can do wonders for your hips, core, and spine.
