Why does nobody include FLEXIBILITY? And how to change that!

Fitness is on the rise, and more and more people are looking for different ways to shape their bodies and minds'. However, so many people fail to focus on flexibility/stretching. Majority of people will go to the gym, get on a cardio machine for 30-60 minutes, then leave. People who lift weights will go to the gym, maybe do an exercise or two with light weight (thinking they are performing a good warmup), workout, then leave. People are simply ignoring the fact that, the reason they can move their bodies the way they do while doing cardio, or the reason they can lift those weights, is totally based on how flexible they are and how much range of motion (ROM) they have. So why do people skip stretching and flexibility exercises?

Studies have shown that, "so many aches, pains, arthritis, and surgeries could/can be prevented with a consistent flexibility regimen."

A few FF's (fun facts)

• when you hold a stretch for 8+ seconds (Static Stretching)
• when you move your leg, arms, trunk in a fluid motion (Dynamic Stretching)
• when someone pushes your body part more than you could by yourself (proprioceptive muscular facilitation stretching (PNF))
• roll back on forth on a foam roller (one of the best ways to increase flexibility)

Ways to increase flexibility and loosen up tissue in your body!

• Perform static stretching AFTER all your workouts (5-7 mins)
• Warmup and use dynamic stretching BEFORE your workout
• Use a foam roller every other day to release fascia (tissue) and improve ROM *BUT ONLY WHEN YOUR MUSCLES ARE WARM*
• Your hips, glutes, and core (trunk) are the foundation of your body, so focus on these areas while using flexibility
• Stretch here and there throughout your workout to help release blood and other toxins to improve mobility and stability
• Take up Yoga and Pilate's, which focus primarily on flexibility

SLJ Fitness