Yoga, pilates, tai chi and stretching are all recommended for improving flexibility. While pilates and yoga concentrate on building strength and flexibility, yoga is generally regarded as having a deeper focus on increasing the range of joint motion. If you’re looking to increase your overall flexibility, it’s best to incorporate a combination of breath work, static stretching, and dynamic stretching.
Being flexible and having a good range of motion is important, yet an often overlooked element of fitness.
Improving your flexibility can have a range of physical benefits. Flexibility training can allow greater freedom of movement and improved posture, increase physical and mental relaxation, help to release muscle tension, and reduce the risk of injury.
There are many ways to improve flexibility, from stretches you can do at home, to more structured workouts such as a yoga or Pilates class. All you need to get started is one of the best yoga mats, an open mind and realistic expectations. You might not be able to touch your nose to your toes within a week, but with regular practice, you should be able to see an improvement in your flexibility.