Flexibility and mobility: Why they matter for health

Remember those days when you were a kid and you would spend your whole day running around, playing kho-kho, hide and seek, and cricket – all the while switching between sports? The day wouldn’t end for you even then – you wouldn’t mind getting out of your blanket and getting moving. You were never tired, were you? 

So, what happened now? You’re probably breathless after taking a flight of stairs. Not to mention, even the thought of getting out of bed after a tiring day at work may make you frown, let alone play sports or simply move. What changed? 

Well, you became an adult. That’s what happened. Now that you are older, you may observe that you no longer have the flexibility and mobility you had before. 

Well, life happens. We have studies to take care of, assignments to complete, meetings to attend, and our to-do list to cross off.  Our life certainly changes but it doesn’t mean we must lead a sedentary lifestyle. Flexibility and mobility were not only important before but they are important today and tomorrow. 

We will be telling you why in this blog. 

Why do flexibility and mobility matter? 

Before we tell you this, let’s make sure you’re aware that there is a difference between flexibility and mobility. 

Flexibility is the way your connective tissues and muscles stretch and lengthen. If you’re flexible, you can stretch easily. It wouldn’t be difficult moving through a longer range of motion. However, when it comes to mobility, it is how you move your body. 

Flexibility and mobility are crucial because they affect your lifestyle, and health of the present and the future. Working to improve your flexibility and mobility can be highly beneficial. Here’s how – 

Increased range of motion: 

Flexibility involves stretching your muscles, tendons and connective tissues. Doing so can improve your athletic performance. 

Lengthening your muscles, tendons and connective tissues can enhance your athletic performance. Not only that, but it can make movements easier throughout the day. You wouldn’t have a hard time sitting with your legs crossed or squatting. 

Helps prevent injury:

Muscle injuries are not only an inconvenience but they can hold you up for days, keeping you from being your most productive and energetic self. However, when you try to enhance your flexibility and mobility, you can reduce your risk of joint stiffness, and muscle strains. 

Helps with tightness: 

Do you feel your muscles getting tighter by the day? Working on your flexibility can work wonders. It can provide you relief from tightness. 

Better posture: 

Struggling with a bad posture? Just so you know, your body language, including your posture, speaks a lot. A bad posture can leave a bad impression. However, improving flexibility can rectify posture imbalances, enhance your alignment and hold a more confident, upright stance. 

Improved muscle function: 

Mobility promotes blood flow to the muscles, helping them get the nutrients they need and get rid of waste. Consequently, you may experience improved function and coordination.  

Reduced risk of falling: 

When you’re more mobile, you have a better balance, so you’re less likely to fall. This can benefit older people who are most prone to injury from falling.

Performing exercises that promote flexibility release tension and provide your body relief. It is even beneficial for your mental health. 

So, what can you do to improve mobility and flexibility? 

Improving mobility is not the challenge here. It’s simply about getting moving.  So, here the first step is to stop being a couch potato. Get out of the bed and get moving. 

When it comes to flexibility, simple movements won’t do. You need to incorporate exercise into your routine. The exercise must involve stretching of ligaments. Consider doing yoga. 

Don’t forget to do a warmup session before you start. Once you start, consider targeting the major lower and upper body muscle groups such as quadriceps, hips, chest and shoulders. Maintain the same position for 15-30 seconds. Take a deep breath and relax while you stretch. 

It is a good idea to start with gentle and easy stretches only to move to longer, and tougher movements. Don’t forget to listen to your body. Stop when you feel you cannot go anymore.  

Lastly, be consistent and stretch regularly to see a difference. 

Closing thoughts 

How do you picture your golden years? If it’s an active and healthy life you wish for, you must start today. Stretching and mobility can work wonders for you – not only in the present but also in the future as well. See for yourself.

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