Flexibility

Flexibility is an essential component of fitness that I admittingly often skip out on. Stretching should be an integral part of our workouts because of its many benefits such as reducing risk of injury, improving posture, promoting circulation, decreasing muscle stiffness and much more.   

American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM) recommends performing flexibility exercise at least 2-3 days per week with daily being most effective.  For most adults, a series of flexibility exercises for each of the major muscles holding the static stretch for 10-30 seconds is recommended.  Stretch to the point of feeling tightness or slight discomfort. Try to repeat each flexibility exercise 2-4 times.  Keep in mind that flexibility exercise is most effective when the muscle is warmed through light-to-moderate aerobic activity or passively through external methods such as moist heat packs or hot baths.

Are you stretching enough? Try making it a new SMART goal of yours!