Are you the person that says "I'm not flexible" as an excuse for not attending yoga or dance class? Guess what? The only way to become flexible is to START! It's not sorcery, and certainly not going to happen overnight, but saying you can't become more flexible is like saying "I'm starving, but I can't eat!"
Flexibility is so important for your body, mind, and soul. It is also something that everyone uses everyday, so why are you ignoring your body's desire to be more flexible? You are in control and responsible for your body's health and nourishment, so NO MORE EXCUSES! Need more motivation? Here are the benefits of flexibility and some reasons why you should to be more flexible:
Importance & Benefits of Flexibility
IMPROVE YOUR WORKOUTS AND REDUCE INJURY
You've heard how stretching is A MUST before starting your exercise, so don't skimp out on stretching your muscles - you're not only hurting yourself, but your results. Stretching for at least 10 minutes before and after a workout will not only make your workouts feel more energized with the ability to have full range of motion, but your muscles will have been properly warmed up. This kick starts blood circulation, preventing injuries or cramps, and improves your stamina for an all around better performance. Post workout stretches will also jump start your muscles healing process which means less soreness.
CONFIDENCE
As we age, our muscles elasticity is harder to maintain due to previous injuries, inactivity, or hypertension. Stretching not only feels great (when done properly), but your body actually produces endorphins which helps elevate your mood, helping to relieve stress and tension.
Besides feeling great, you'll be looking great. Stretching helps to improve your posture! This totally gives you an extra boost of confidence as your workouts improve and results grow more noticeable to you and others! You will find yourself standing a bit taller, looking a bit leaner, and feeling those daily aches and pains less n less!
STRESS REDUCTION
Stretching promotes relaxation and helps reduce stress. The controlled breathing and focus on the body during stretching can have a calming effect on the mind, contributing to overall mental health and well-being
Flexability for Sexability
READY FOR THE EXXXTRA CREDIT? FLEXIBILITY IMPROVES YOUR SEX LIFE!
This one's personally my favorite. Sexual health is also very important to our physical and mental health. According to LiveStrong.com, "Recent research indicates that improved body image, as well as doing as little as 20 minutes of exercise a day, enables you to enjoy sex more and become more sexually aroused." Having tension in your body will not only cause blockages in your sexual energy flow, but also your limbs while gettin' busy. We've all been there, cramping and uncomfortable moments totally take you out of the moment, which is not fun for either of you. So, increasing your flexibility is going to make such a difference in how sexual positions feel, allowing you to experiment with your partner in ways you never thought possible! Want to boost both you and your partner's confidence in between the sheets? Try slipping a few stretches into your love-making. Just remember to breathe and relax. If you experience any pain, communicate with your partner, and slowly come out of the pose. Unless, of course, you like the pain. Haha, just know that we are not responsible for any injuries! We know trying new positions can be fun and exciting, but be sure to warm up with some stretching foreplay.
Here's a few bedroom ideas from Cosmo... #SEXERCISE