People with flexible bodies are less prone to stress injuries. It is a common misconception that only athletes suffer from muscular injuries; anyone can be hurt by overstretching a tight muscle or by suddenly moving the wrong way. It is important to have good flexibility, to not only safeguard yourself against muscular pulls but also to enhance your overall mobility. Stretching exercises that help keep your muscles and ligaments flexible also encourage blood supply. Continue reading to know how you can increase your overall flexibility.

Warm up

The very first thing that you need to do before starting a stretching work out is to warm up your body. Jogging and running are the best and most convenient ways to warm up your body before any kind of workout.

Stretch your body as much as possible

Stretching lengthens your muscles, which improves the mobility of the corresponding joints. So stretch your limbs as much as possible, or in simple words extend your arms and legs until you feel the stretch.

Dynamic stretches should precede static stretches

Stretching limbs is called static stretch, whereas dynamic stretch involves working out on specific parts of your body, like straight leg march, raising your knees, moving lunges etc. Dynamic stretches should always be done prior to static stretches for best results.

Swing your limbs through your full range of motion

After performing some traditional dynamic and static stretches, swing your limbs through their full range of motion, swinging only as far as your muscles comfortably allow. Your limbs muscles will stretch a little farther every time you swing your arms and legs, but it can take quite a while to reach your full range of motion.

Inhale deeply before every stretch

Begin your stretches by inhaling deeply and exhale when relaxing. This will allow the muscle to increase in length and thus increase flexibility.

Contract-relax method

Begin a stretch, then release for a while before contracting the muscles in the area. Now release the contraction and relax while going into the stretch again. You can perform contract-relax stretches alone or with assistance, and they will help you improve your flexibility.

Get a massage

You can also get special massages, like those involving neuromuscular, Rolfing and myofascial release techniques to increase flexibility. These techniques are designed to help you get rid of toxins in your body that reduce flexibility. The massage will also help improve blood circulation in muscles.