Come winters and the cozy blankets become our best friends. Working outdoors may be painful and it is understandable but what about indoors? We bet, even the thought of getting out of the bed doesn't cross our mind, isn't it?Staying indoors is only an excuse for not exercising. However, there are a number of reasons to exercise in winters as well. Hence, beat the blues, take the required dose of Vitamin sunshine and do not put on those extra pounds.
Stretching as a warm-up or stretching post-workout has always been a very common question. It is important to note that stretching not only helps you impart flexibility but also helps you relax and stay energized. Let’s check the 5 best exercises that can increase your flexibility.
1. Stretching
Keep variations with your body stretching exercises and do not stick to only one form. Stretching before a workout helps you to warm-up, which in turn, will keep you, zipped throughout your workout sessions. Stretching post workout is equally important. Ensure youstretch each part of your body. Stretch your hamstrings, glutes, abdominals, shoulders, and neck, post-workout. Pre-workout stretch will typically include arm circles, rotational lunges, neck movement, etc.2. Pilates
Pilates is very much in trend nowadays. Pilates stretches is certainly a great form of exercise providing greater flexibility and utmost strength. From wall roll down to spine stretch to swan stretch, all different stretches are interesting. It shall cover stretching exercises for legs as well. Combination of both, the equipment and mat work does wonders to an individual’s body. A cherry on the cake is that you will also be developing your core strength.3. Yoga
Yoga has something or the other for everyone. It is a misconception that a person having a lack of flexibility cannot do yoga, which is wrong. There are different forms of yoga for flexibility. A type known as Hatha Yoga is focused to improve flexibility. It is basically a slow form where one needs to hold each pose for a few breaths. Indeed, yoga stretches are great for flexibility.4. Foam Rollers
Use of foam rollers helps improve flexibility and also improves performance in addition to preventing injuries. It basically helps you giving a deep tissue massage with your own body weight, giving you a perfect muscle stretch. It breaks the adhesions and restrictions speeding up the recovery and healing process. The best thing is you can exercise using foam rollers in the comfort of your home. One can see the immediate difference in how flexible your muscles become post using foam rollers.5. Dynamic Stretching
It is always advised to choose dynamic stretching over static stretching. It prepares for the workout coming ahead providing different movements. The stretch position is not held, instead, muscles bring stretch by themselves. It improves range of motion, increasing blood flow. A lunge with a twist is an example of dynamic stretching. It can be, weighted lunges or lunges with a soccer ball. One can also include kettlebell exercises for strengthening and shedding away those extras.Performing a full-body stretch routine is a great way to improve flexibility, and if possible one shall perform the routine daily. Flexibility can never be acquired overnight. Time and consistency is the key and soon you’ll be bending into positions which were impossible until now. So say goodbye all the excuses and put on your shoes.
After all, ‘tis the season of great flexibility!