Have you ever been to a show with contortionists who can twist and turn their bodies into all sorts of knots? Have you ever wondered how they are able to be that flexible?

The average person doesn’t need to be able to contort their body into a pretzel and meet the prerequisites for a position in the Cirque du Soleil. However, being fairly flexible is important for one to be able to reach good overall health. If you struggle to touch your toes, it’s time to begin working on your flexibility.

Top 4 Stretch Exercises for Improved Flexibility

Improving your flexibility will help you avoid chronic pain in your muscles and joints. Here are a few stretching exercises that you can try to help you gain better flexibility. Doing these stretches at least three times a week will help you reach your goal in the long run!

1. Hamstring Stretch

Stretching your hamstrings is a great way to get them warm before going on a bike ride or for a run. This stretch is quite straightforward. Stand in an upright position and then bend forward. Get your body as close as possible to your legs. Try your best to get yourself into a “U” shape and try to get your hands behind your ankles. Hold the position for one to two minutes. You should feel a burning stretch on the back of your calves.

2. Triceps Stretch

This stretch will work great as a cooldown stretch after a good arm workout session. You may choose to stand or sit for this stretch. Extend your arms above your head. Bend one of your elbows, placing your opposing hand on your bent elbow. Then push your elbow down, trying your best to have your hand reach the middle of your back. If you have reached the farthest stretch you can go, hold the position for around half a minute. Switch and do the same with the other arm. This exercise aims to stretch your arms as well as improve your posture.

3. Frog Stretch

The frog stretch works to extend your lower back muscles and help with posture problems. Get on the floor, with your hands and knees firmly planted on the ground. Make a 90 degree angle with your knees, pointing your toes. Try to lower yourself as much as you can, stretching your hips and legs. When you feel that you have reached the maximum stretch, hold the position for a minute or two.

4. Lunge Stretches

After a run or intense leg workout session, the muscles that may suffer are your glutes and quads. Get into a similar position as a lunge. Then in the kneeling position, lean forward. This will ring your hips closer to the floor. Hold the position for a minute and then after, repeat on the other side.

Conclusion

Doing stretching exercises at least three times a week will loosen your muscles and tendons. This will help you avoid experiencing chronic pain later in life. When you will be able to touch your toes without feeling pain, that will be a great start! Going in for assisted stretching classes will help you maintain this newfound flexibility.

Stretch Studios is Australia’s first and only assisted stretching studio. We aim to provide assisted stretching classes to help with chronic pain problems and other medical issues. If you are interested in enrolling in our assisted professional stretching classes, contact us today!