1. Don’t Just Sit There
Well, you CAN sit there; just don’t sit for long periods of time without moving around. When you do, you are almost guaranteed tight hamstrings, hip flexors and calves. You may have no choice but to be glued to a desk chair because of the particulars of your job, and that's fine. Just make sure to get up and take stretch breaks throughout the course of the day. This will keep you limber and relieve stress as an added bonus.
2. Simon Says "Touch Your Toes"
A staggering number of people in the world are so inflexible that they can’t even touch their toes. Do you fall into this category? It seems weird that something so simple can be so difficult for so many, but it is. To stay flexible, try to touch your toes from a standing position and from a sitting position. It will only take about six 30-second chunks of time away from your busy day, so give it a shot. The best times are when you first get up in the morning, while you are in line at the grocery store and when you are about to go to bed. Eventually, with some patience and persistence, you will be able to wrap your hands around your feet.
3. DO Believe the Hype
Yoga and Pilates classes are two of the absolute best gifts you can give your body when it comes to gaining better flexibility. (If you're a guy, it also doesn’t hurt that you are usually greatly outnumbered by women.) If you are hard-core, try attending a Bikrim yoga class. In these, the temperature is raised to over 100 degrees. Not only will you become more flexible, but you will burn off a bucket full of calories and get in a great cardio workout at the same time. Just make sure to bring cold water (with ice in it), two towels and a change of clothes.
4. Lose It and Move It
Excess pounds add up to a lack of flexibility. Try to lose some weight, and watch the magic happen. You will be more energized and more focused--and best of all, there won’t be as much adipose tissue to work around when you are trying to stretch.
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