Aging means sticking with healthy habits that ensure your body stays active, strong, flexible, and mobile.
This is something to be mindful of regularly.
That’s why actively trying to stay flexible is key.
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“Good flexibility supports proper alignment of your body and enhances your range of motion,” Garcia adds.
“Both allow you to move more freely and perform daily activities easily.”
Keep reading to learn all about the seven daily habits that destroy your flexibility as you age.
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And when you’re finished, don’t miss6 Best Pilates Exercises to Improve Your Balance & Coordination.
You’re not moving your body in the morning.
Kickstarting your morning with some healthy movement can set the tone for your entire day.
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It’s an excellent habit to get into.
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You’re sedentary.
Make it your mission to get up and take movement breaks every so often!
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You don’t have a go-to stretch routine.
“To stay flexible, perform regular dynamic and static stretches with all major muscle groups.
Focus on stiffness like the hips, hamstrings, and shoulders.”
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You’re slouching.
Being mindful of your postureand strengthening itplays a key role in flexibility.
“Slouching or hunching over can shorten muscles and restrict range of motion over time,” cautions Garcia.
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You’re not warming up.
“Skipping warm-ups before exercise can increase your risk of injury and contribute to stiffness,” explains Garcia.
In addition, ensure your stretches are gradual and gentle.
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And lastly, stretching out your body shouldn’t be painful.
If it hurts, it’s imperative to check in with a certified personal trainer or your healthcare provider.
You’re not strength training.
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In fact,researchshows that resistance training can boost your flexibility or range of motion all on its own.
Rest and recovery is another key aspect to your overall progress.
“Improper rest and recovery (i.e.
overtraining) can lead to muscle fatigue and reduced flexibility,” Garcia stresses.
