Every time you try to touch your toes, do you feel like a human pretzel? Do you find lacing your shoes to be an Olympic sport? So, do not worry! In this post, we'll delve into the subject of yoga for flexibility and provide you a tonne of helpful advice on how to make your body more flexible. Get ready to experience the benefits of being more flexible and limber, whether you're a novice or just someone who wishes to relax those tight muscles.
What Happens if Your Body Isn't Flexible?
Let's take a moment to consider the drawbacks of a non-flexible body before diving into the ways to increase flexibility. Increased muscle tension, a reduced range of motion, and even greater risk of injury can result from a lack of flexibility. It can make ordinary actions like bending over to tie your shoes or reaching for something on a high shelf into a painful experience. Reduced flexibility might also have a negative effect on your posture and general physical performance. But don't worry—yoga's got your hamstrings, or should we say, your back!
If you are a beginner in yoga, we have listed few methods to improve flexibility:
Start Slow and Be Patient:
Remember that Rome wasn't built in a day, and neither will your flexibility, if you're new to yoga or have limited flexibility. Maintain self-compassion and enjoy the journey. Even though progress is modest, every little step forward is important.
Gentle Warm-up:
It's crucial to thoroughly warm up your body before beginning the deeper stretches. Warm up your muscles by doing a brief round of light cardio, like brisk walking or jogging, to improve blood flow. Your body is then ready for the upcoming yoga practice.
Incorporate Dynamic Stretches:
Dynamic stretches should be a part of your yoga regimen. These are motions that gradually stretch your muscles without keeping you in one place for an extended period of time. Examples include leg swings, moderate spinal twists, and arm circles. Dynamic stretches increase flexibility and further warm up the body.
Embrace Props:
Your best allies on the road to flexibility can be yoga bolsters, blocks, and straps. They help you achieve appropriate alignment and support your body in poses that could appear difficult at first. Use these items freely to alter positions and progressively progress to deeper stretches.
Focus on Target Areas:
You need to identify the areas in your body where flexibility is hard. The attention should be given to the tension while holding an asana. The most common trouble spots include the hips, hamstrings, shoulders, and spine. Your practice should be around the area of focus.
You can consult our teacher Hope Monk to design a class for you.
Practice Regularly:
There are no shortcuts in Yoga. Consistency is key when it comes to improving flexibility. Regular yoga practice helps to condition your muscles, improve elasticity, and improve flexibility.
Patience with Persistence:
You must remember that Yoga is not flexibility or strength. It is beyond that. The asanas are just tools to master the mind. So flexibility is a journey, not a destination. Celebrate every small victory and remain persistent in your efforts. Even if progress seems slow at times, trust that your body is gradually adapting and becoming more flexible with each practice.
Explore Gentle Yoga Styles:
We love Yin Yoga. It is easy, looks gentle but works so much at connective tissue level. You can also explore Restorative Yoga. These styles focus on holding poses for longer durations, allowing for deeper stretches and increased flexibility over time.
Breathe and Relax:
Breathing is life. As you engage in yoga poses, focus on your breath and consciously relax your muscles. Deep, steady breathing helps release tension and promotes a sense of calmness, allowing your body to open up and increase flexibility.
Listen to Your Body:
Never underestimate it. Always listen to your body and respect its limits. Avoid pushing yourself beyond what feels comfortable or causing pain.
Flexibility is not Yoga but happens in Yoga. So if you are not flexible or want to increase your strength, yoga practice does work both ways.
- Yoga(3)
