Since the Covid-19 pandemic hit in 2020, we think that many of us have found out that our daily mobility has significantly reduced. We’ve gone from on-site jobs to remote work and grocery runs for food delivery services. Don’t get us wrong though, we’re grateful for these conveniences. But, there’s a downside: simply getting up and doing things has become a chore for a lot of us. If you’ve noticed yourself grunting when getting up from the sofa after just an hour, you’re not alone. All this inactivity has resulted in losing our physical flexibility, which is a key aspect of overall health and well-being.
So, why do we need to improve flexibility in the first place? Asides just feeling better, being flexible can help us perform daily tasks with ease and avoid injuries. Imagine being able to bend down to pick up your groceries without wincing, or racing boastful kids without pulling a muscle. We think prioritising flexibility is important because it simply makes our lives easier and more enjoyable. Think about it. Honestly, whether your flexibility goals are to try new positions in the bedroom, master a handstand (we think this is a real flex), or just play with your kids for longer, adding specific physical activities can get you there. We found three interesting ones we’d like to get into.
First on our list is dynamic stretching. This might be news to you, but there’s such a thing! Unlike static stretching, where you hold a stretch for a few seconds and then release, dynamic stretching involves moving as you stretch. This type of stretching is effective as part of a warm-up routine because it increases blood flow and prepares your muscles for the rest of your workout activity. Some examples of dynamic stretches are arm circles and lunges.
Next up is the infamous yoga. It’s a no-brainer that yoga is on this list, but we can’t deny the positive effects it has on our flexibility. Yoga positions stretch your muscles and loosen your joints with enough consistency. From the child pose to the Downward-facing dog pose, it’s amazing how much you can do after practising yoga regularly. The same goes for Pilates, honestly. Both activities have ways to improve flexibility and strength, making them excellent choices for anyone looking to move more freely.
Last but not least is dancing. It’s no surprise that pole dancers and dancers, in general, are some of the most flexible people on the planet. If you’ve ever been gagged by their grace and fluidity, this is your sign to visit a dance class. Like any skill, achieving such flexibility requires time and dedication, but the good thing is that you don’t have to do it alone. There are numerous dance communities out there that would love to welcome you and share the experience with you. We think that dancing is such a fun and effective way to improve your flexibility. Who doesn’t love a good dance session?
The need for flexibility has never been more obvious in these post-pandemic times. Apart from the ability to move easier, being flexible has a ton of other benefits. It improves posture, reduces muscle soreness, and even helps relieve stress. Do a handstand and see if you don’t forget all your problems.
As we adjust to new routines and seek to maintain our health, we think adding physical activities like dynamic stretching, yoga, and dancing can make a world of difference. Remember, flexibility isn’t just about being able to touch your toes; it’s about making your daily life easier and more enjoyable. So, let’s get moving and stretch our way to a more flexible, healthier self. Why not?
