Tips to Improve Your Mobility and Flexibility
When it comes to exercising, most people tend to focus on either one of two things—strength training or cardio.
Strength training allows you to develop and build more muscle mass for a leaner and more toned appearance, while cardio lets you improve your stamina and endurance.
And while these are great exercises that’ll help you achieve your fitness goals, many often overlook another crucial aspect of exercising— mobility and flexibility.
In case you didn’t know, mobility is the range of motion that your joints can comfortably achieve, while flexibility is the length of your muscles and how much they can stretch.
Both are closely interrelated to each other and play just as big of a role in your physical fitness as both strength and cardio training.
Here are a few ways that you can integrate these into your workout routine!
Tips to Improve Your Mobility and Flexibility
1. Dynamic Warm-ups to Start Your Workouts
One reason that many often forego stretching before or after a workout is that they find it too boring.
Many of us will think of stretching as simply sitting or standing in a certain position for a few seconds, but there are some ways that you can make this more interesting.
A dynamic warm-up has you moving while preparing your muscles and joints. Things like walking lunges, arm swings, and high knees will get you warm and ready for your workout.
Many scientists and professionals have come out to say that dynamic stretches may be more beneficial than static ones as they get the blood pumping, while also improving your overall performance.
2. Static Stretching to Cool Down
Dynamic warm-ups are great for warming up your entire body at the start of your workout, but that’s not really what you want at the end of your session.
When you’ve just finished a rigorous exercise session, you’ll want to focus on cooling down your body and getting your heart rate to slowly come down, and that’s where static stretching can come in handy.
Not only will it avoid putting excess strain on your body, but it will also help release any tension that may have been left in your muscles.
You might find yourself relaxing during certain static stretches like the cobra pose and side stretches.
3. Yoga and Pilates
It doesn’t matter which one you choose as both of these workouts focus on developing strength and flexibility simultaneously.
Adding one or the other into your fitness routine will help you become much more well-rounded in terms of your physical performance as these workouts focus on controlled and mindful movements and deep stretching. Enhance your Yoga or Pilates practice by incorporating a red light therapy mat, adding an innovative dimension to your mindful movements and deep stretching. Not only will you develop strength and flexibility, but the red light therapy mat can also provide potential benefits for muscle recovery and overall well-being, creating a holistic approach to your fitness routine.
4. Incorporate Tools and Accessories
Workout tools and accessories like foam rollers and massage balls can help you get a much deeper and more satisfying stretch with your workout.
These items can help target tight spots and release any tension in these areas, while also promoting circulation and your overall range of motion.
Many benefits come with focusing on your mobility and flexibility. Not only can it enhance your performance and help you perform exercises more efficiently, but you can also significantly reduce your risk of any injuries or strains that can come from a limited range of movement.
You’ll also find that your posture will improve as your muscles are loosened, and any discomfort in your muscles and joints may also be relieved.
