[vc_row row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” text_align=”left” background_animation=”none” css_animation=””][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]Do you remember those Jane Fonda tapes in the 1980’s?  Jane stretching into impossible poses and us, trying to copy her every move.  Can you believe how  before her time she was, as fast forward to 2021 and we’re all exercising in our homes, but sadly, we’re a lot less nimble and flexible!

As our bodies get older, we lose a small amount of flexibility as a result of the normal aging processes. This can happen for several reasons, including a loss of water in our tissues and spine, increased stiffness in our joints and a loss of elasticity throughout the muscle tendons and surrounding tissue.

Decreased flexibility within our body can negatively impact our everyday life by preventing us from functioning normally. For example, it is fairly common for some individuals to decrease their physical activity because they do not feel flexible enough to perform activities they once enjoyed.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” text_align=”left” background_animation=”none” css_animation=””][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]USE IT OR LOSE IT

However, this kind of self-limitation can lead to an even greater loss of function. Our bodies operate under a principle called “Use It or Lose It.” If we don’t use our muscles, we tend to lose their strength. If we lose strength in the muscles, we don’t move them as often, which may lead to further decreases in flexibility if they are not taken through their full range of motion to maintain their length.

The good news is that we can slow or reverse some of these changes in our body! We cannot prevent some loss of flexibility, but we have every opportunity to prevent losses of function due to this decrease.

The first step toward preventing a loss of flexibility is to keep active! Several problems may result from decreased flexibility: slower walking speed, shorter steps while walking, back pain and increased risk of falls.

The first step in improving your flexibility is to get moving more each day.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” text_align=”left” background_animation=”none” css_animation=””][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]MOVE EVERY DAY

Start spending more of your day on your feet, doing the activities you enjoy. Get outside, go swimming, do whatever it takes to ensure you are getting in more movement.

Activities that work your whole body. This can be anything from walking more, getting in the garden more, hiking, lawn bowls, golf, mix it up.

Here are other activities to consider which are great for flexibility and your health.[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” text_align=”left” background_animation=”none” css_animation=””][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image=”6159″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” qode_css_animation=””][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]YOGA

Yoga is getting more and more popular, especially with older adults and for good reason seniors yoga for flexibility.  Yoga is a gentle type of exercise, and that is great for flexibility, strength and mental wellbeing.

Yoga does not solely focus on specific body parts, but utilises movements which focus on the body as a whole, while targeting other aspects of our being. Emotional, spiritual and mental.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” text_align=”left” background_animation=”none” css_animation=””][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image=”6161″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” qode_css_animation=””][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]PILATES

Pilates is another form of exercise that can significantly help in improving one’s flexibility levels. This type of gentle exercise has proven to be quite a useful tool for seniors looking to become more agile.

In Pilates gentle movements, low-impact poses, light stretches and the use of individual pieces of equipment are utilised, to improve physical capabilities.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” text_align=”left” background_animation=”none” css_animation=””][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image=”6162″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” qode_css_animation=””][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]SWIMMING

Swimming, or even just getting into a pool, moving around and doing exercises and stretching is a great way to improve flexibility. Although it will not be as effective as doing set stretches, yoga or Pilates, swimming is a great way to lengthen the muscles.

Additionally, with swimming, we have the added advantage of less weight on our joints due to the buoyancy. This can be helpful with certain painful conditions placing less strain on the joints.

Another bonus of swimming is doing them in a heated pool. The heat has a relaxing effect on the soft tissues of our body, helping improve range of motion. Additionally, the heat can provide relief from painful conditions, which can also help with movement.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” text_align=”left” background_animation=”none” css_animation=””][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image=”6156″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” qode_css_animation=””][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]DANCING

Dancing is another great way to get you moving, which will help improve flexibility, get you stronger, fitter and help improve many other aspects of your health. So, dust off your old dancing shoes and get moving. There would be plenty of dancing classes around your area so keep an eye out for them

If a dancing class isn’t for you, put on your favourite music and dance around your house as if nobody is watching.  Dancing is not only great for the body but also great for the mind![/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” text_align=”left” background_animation=”none” css_animation=””][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image=”6163″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” qode_css_animation=””][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]TAI CHI

Tai Chi is a gentle, slow and flowing form of exercise for both the body and the mind that originated in China many, many years ago.  This gentle form of exercise is great to not only improve flexibility but also to improve coordination, strength and decrease pain.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” text_align=”left” background_animation=”none” css_animation=””][vc_column][vc_empty_space][vc_single_image image=”6164″ img_size=”full” alignment=”center” qode_css_animation=””][vc_empty_space][vc_column_text]STRETCHING

Along with getting moving more overall, by finding physical activities and exercise we enjoy doing, the next step to regaining our flexibility is stretching.

When most of us think about stretching, we usually think about holding our muscles in certain positions, which are usually uncomfortable, for a period of time (usually 20-60 seconds or more). This type of stretching is known as static stretching.

Along with static stretching, there is another type of stretching, known as dynamic stretching.

Dynamic stretching refers to active stretches; movements that are done repeatedly (for repetitions) in a short period of time, allowing your muscles to loosen up gradually.

Dynamic stretches are usually practiced prior to working out, as they’re a great way to warm up the muscles and prepare them for more challenging exercises.

They can also be completed in a set routine, consistently, to improve flexibility. While performing specific stretches, the muscles and tendons in your body become elongated, helping you increase your range of motion.

The body tends to adapt to the range of motion you frequently use, so if you only use your muscles for sitting on the couch, your muscles won’t have the need to bend differently.  This is why it’s important to focus on stretching the whole body and not just focusing on a single part of your body.[/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row row_type=”row” use_row_as_full_screen_section=”no” type=”full_width” text_align=”left” background_animation=”none” css_animation=””][vc_column][vc_column_text]DON’T BECOME DESPONDENT

Don’t give up after day one when you can hardly reach your knees when trying to touch your toes!  Consistency is key and the tortoise wins the hare in this race.  If you practice your flexibility daily, even beginning by just stretching a little every day, you’ll start noticing the changes in your flexibility.

You just have to keep going!

(Source: More Life Health.com)[/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row]