Improving Your Flexibility
As you age, one thing you may notice changing is your flexibility. Your flexibility refers to how well your joints and muscles can move without discomfort or restriction. Maintaining flexibility is essential to your overall health and well-being.
Why Is Flexibility Essential As You Age?
Your flexibility is essential to living a high-quality and independent life. Flexibility is connected to your range of motion, mobility, and balance. The more flexible you are, the easier it is to move without pain or restrictions. Your flexibility can also reduce your risk of falling, which is one of the leading factors for bone breaks and concussions in seniors.
Unfortunately, joint and muscle flexibility tends to decrease with age, which is why seniors need to consider flexibility training.
Ways To Improve Flexibility
Luckily, you have many options if you are determined to improve your flexibility. Many of these flexibility tips are easy things you can start doing immediately that will significantly impact your flexibility and mobility.
Yoga
Yoga is a fun and beneficial workout for anyone looking to improve their flexibility and mobility. There are different types of yoga, each providing different outcomes, but most practices focus on building strength, balance, and flexibility.
You can do yoga at home by following an online class or pre-recorded video. However, if you’re new to yoga, attending an in-person class with a certified yoga instructor is highly recommended. Working with a yoga instructor will ensure you’re entering and exiting yoga poses properly without causing injury or strain on your muscles.
Stretching
Stretching is one of the key factors in improving your flexibility. Stretching lengthens your muscle fibers and allows your muscles to move freely without tightness or restriction over time.
There are two types of stretches: dynamic and static. Both are important in improving flexibility.
- Dynamic stretches are active movements that prepare the body for activity. These stretches are good to perform at the beginning of your day or before physical activity. Examples of dynamic stretches include lungs, hip circles, or arm circles.
- Static stretches are non-active movements in which you hold a position. They are good for cooling down muscles at the end of the day or after a workout. Examples include seated hamstring or tricep stretches.
Physical Therapy
Some flexibility constraints are symptoms of physical imbalances or health conditions, such as uneven bone alignment or arthritis. In these instances, simply stretching or strengthening your muscles will not significantly improve your flexibility. What will help is working with a physical therapist who can help realign your body and provide targeted assistance to improve your flexibility further.
Nutrition
Food is essential for physical health. It’s the fuel your body uses to move and function. What you eat can also aid in your flexibility and mobility goals. You want to ensure you’re getting enough protein to help repair and rebuild muscle fibers and unsaturated fats along with antioxidants to reduce swelling or inflammation that may be inhibiting your movement.
How Visiting Angels Can Help
Whether you want someone to help hold you accountable for your daily stretching or need transportation to a nearby yoga studio, the caregivers with Visiting Angels are happy to help. Our caregivers provide various at-home services to help seniors live safely and comfortably. In addition to supporting your flexible health, caregivers can assist with light housekeeping, medication reminders, mobility, grooming, showering, cooking, and more.
Our Garland office works with clients throughout Garland and the surrounding Texas communities. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can help you on your healthy aging journey.