How To Improve Your Flexibility

Flexibility is an important part of athletics, and many people feel that if they do not participate in organized sports, they do not need to be flexible. However, there are many reasons to want to be flexible other than organized sports. Flexibility means great movement and range of motion. Flexibility means that you are less likely to strain or pull a muscle. Flexibility means less chance of injury. So, as you can see, even if you are not the star of the varsity football team, or a track runner, there are benefits to being flexible.
5 Simple Tips for Increased Flexibility
1. Always Drink Plenty of Water: Honestly, even though this one has obvious reasons, many people totally miss the fact that water will help them to increase their flexibility. So, though this should really be a no-brainer, it is worth reminding you, you need water to be flexible. If you do not drink enough water, you will feel it. Your cells and muscles will not be as elastic, and thus, when you try to stretch them, or use them, you will cramp up. Water means no cramping. Water means more flexibility. Water means a healthier you. So, never skip your water, and just 8 cups does not mean you are getting enough. Evaluate your water need. If you workout a lot, then you need even more water.

2. Be Gradual, Take Your Time: Obviously one great way to increase flexibility is through stretching, but there are some important ways to do that. The big one is to be gradual in your stretches, take your time, when you stretch it is super important to never bounce. Thus, you should hold the stretch for at least 30 seconds, with 60 seconds being an optimal time for a stretch. Work yourself into harder stretches, if you can't hold it long enough, you may have some complications, so ensure you get the most out of your stretching by taking your time, and holding your stretches for a long enough time.
3. Don't Overdo it: The truth is, if you over do it, you will not become more flexible, in fact you will likely be less flexible as if you injure yourself with over-zealous stretching, you will never get real, consistent gains in your overall flexibility. People think that they must stretch so far that they feel pain. However, the truth is, when stretching, go far enough to feel the stretch and slight discomfort, but never so far that you feel pain. This tip goes along with the last, you want to hold the stretch, and not bounce.
4. Rest and Recovery: It is essential that you get enough rest. Just like with any muscular development, rest and proper nutrition is essential to getting flexibility. You absolutely must give your body the fuel and time it needs to repair and strengthen the muscles. Without it, you will never get the flexibility you want.
5. Keep Up the Good Work: Once you get started, stick with it. It does you no good to stretch only now and then. In order to improve your flexibility and keep it, without injuring yourself, is to stay consistent in your stretching. So, stretch regularly. You have to do at least some stretching every day. You can and should however, alternate your heavy stretching days and make sure you mix in some rest days in there. Example:
 Monday - Stretch after a workout
 Tuesday - Stretch heavily, and multiple times
 Wednesday - Rest, only stretch if you work out
 Thursday - Light stretching of any tight or sore muscles, but no other stretching
 Friday - Heavy Stretching
 Weekend - Just stretch before you workout or play.

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