Tips to Increase your Flexibility

     Hey Guys!

     In this post I want to cover some tips to help you maximize the effectiveness of your stretching routines. Flexibility training may seem simple, but it is more complex than most people believe.

     So let's get started - the first tip is about breathing. Now, some people do not think about how their breathing affects their exercises or stretches, but it can have a dramatic effect and make the difference between getting great results and getting decent results.

     When performing static stretching, you want to take in a deep breath, and as you move into the stretch you want to exhale as you move into the deepest part of the stretch. At that point you should breathe evenly for the remainder of the stretch.

     Dynamic stretching and foam rolling do not require this method of breathing. In these two activities, feel free to breathe naturally. But do not hold your breath. Usually if you hold your breath that is a sign that you have stretched too far and are holding your breath because of the pain.

     Remember not to stretch too far and breathe naturally in these situations. Do not try to force results by stretching too quickly. Flexibility training takes time when done properly.

     The next tip is to perform multiple stretches for each muscle you want to target. You will find that though you have adequate flexibility in one stretch, in another you experience tightness.

     This is one reason why you should both stretch and foam roll. Like weight training, you need to target each muscle at different angles when training for flexibility. In some stretches you will hit muscle fibers that you will not in others. So perform as many stretches as you feel necessary to increase your overall flexibility.

     My final tip for you guys is to focus more time on areas where you are the least flexible. You want to have a balance of flexibility much like you want to have muscular balance. You can actually upset your body's ability to maintain good posture by having imbalances in flexibility.

     So, for example, if your back is more flexible than your chest, spend less time stretching your back and more time stretching your chest.

     The same holds true in regards to each side of your body. Say your left hamstring is tighter than your right; spend more time stretching your left hamstring.

     This is similar to the priority principle where one spends more time on weak areas so that they can catch up with the rest of the body. It is common sense, but sometimes we overlook such small things when we train.

     So keep these tips in mind. Hopefully you can use them to take your training to the next level.

     But that's it for today's post. Be sure to stick around for more great tips, stretches and exercises.

     Get Stronger!
          -Nas