Flexibility is an important part of staying healthy, maintaining physical and mental well-being and helping to avoid injury. According to the Georgia State University Department of Kinesiology and Health, flexibility can even provide anti-aging benefits. You can develop flexibility through a variety of home workouts. According to the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Group Insurance Commission, exercise programs that can increase flexibility include yoga, Pilates, tai chi and balance ball exercises. If you are just beginning an exercise program or have a medical condition, check with your doctor first.
Yoga
Yoga is not only an effective method for decreasing your levels of stress and anxiety and increasing your levels of self-awareness, it can also help to improve your flexibility, according to the Mayo Clinic. There are many different styles of yoga, so you should research which one is best suited to your needs. All yoga styles will help to increase your flexibility if performed on a regular basis. Although it is often helpful to take a class to learn the proper posture and alignments of specific poses, especially if you are new to yoga, you can also practice at home using a DVD or guided instruction manual.
Pilates
Pilates is an exercise technique that not only improves flexibility, but also increases your core strength and helps to correctly align your body, according to Care Medical Center. Pilates focuses on developing concentration, bodily control, flow of postures combined with breathing techniques and flexibility. Pilates exercises can be effectively performed at home once you have learned the proper technique. You can also use a DVD or instruction booklet for ideas on how to structure your workout.
Tai Chi
Tai chi is an ancient Chinese martial art that was originally developed as a form of self-defense. According to the Mayo Clinic, tai chi is used to promote relaxation, connect the mind and body and help improve flexibility and muscle strength. Tai chi is well suited to older adults or people with joint problems, as it is a low-impact exercise. Once you are familiar with the poses, you can perform tai chi on your own at home, with or without guidance from a DVD or instruction book.
Balance Ball
Balance ball flexibility exercises are easy to perform at home. You will need to purchase a balance ball, also referred to as a Swiss ball, available in most sporting goods and exercise equipment stores. According to the City of Boulder, Colorado, Department of Parks and Recreation, balance ball exercises can increase your flexibility and mobility, especially if you are recovering from certain injuries or have stiff joints and muscles. You can learn different types of flexibility exercises online, through an instruction book or with a DVD. Most balance balls come with a small booklet outlining different exercises you can perform on your own.
References
- Georgia State University Department of Kinesiology and Health
- Commonwealth of Massachusetts Group Insurance Commission: Stay Limber with Flexibility Exercise
- Mayo Clinic: Yoga
- Care Medical Center: A Guide to Staying Healthy
- Mayo Clinic: Tai Chi
- City of Boulder Department of Parks and Recreation: Swiss Ball
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