subject: Stretching And Flexibility Exercises [print this page] It's important to devote at least 90 minutes a week to some form of cardiovascular and/or weight exercises every week. Leading a sedentary life is a sure way to leave your body vulnerable to disease, excess weight and quite likely an early death. Just as important is stretching and flexibility exercises. Many people will feel like flexibility isn't important and many of us don't particularly care if we can do the splits, or put our foot behind our head while sitting down, but flexible joints and muscles are more important than most of us give credit for.
Think of your veins and arteries as an electrical circuit, that carries life-giving oxygen and other nutrients to our organs, muscles and bones: Poor flexibility creates blockages in your circuitry that hamper blood flow and pinch important nerve endings in your spine.
Through focusing on stretching and flexibility, you make life easier on your heart and body. Stretching will open up your body and allow oxygen to get where it needs to go. Many back problems could easily be prevented/cured by simply touching your toes ten times a day for 10-15 seconds.
Here's a few simple exercises:
With your knees slightly bent and back straight, touch your toes for 10-15 seconds whenever you get the chance or feel in the mood during the day.
Stand up straight, and use your left arm to pull your right arm across your left shoulder -- hold for 10-15 seconds. Reverse and pull your left arm across your right shoulder. Repeat as often as you can.
Put your arms straight over your head and bend sideways as far as you feel is comfortable. Alternate from side to side, while holding each stretch for 10-15 seconds.
*Stretching and flexibility exercises should be done whenever possible throughout the day and before strenuous exercise.
