Tips to Improve Stretching and Increase Mobility

Yoga and stretching have so many benefits. Whether you are searching for a mental, emotional, or physical improvement in your life, stretching has something to offer you. Yoga is the ultimate form of stretching and strengthening, and the first thing I noticed when starting my practice was the immense feeling of calmness, giving me the opportunity to ease my mind.

With stretching comes improved breathing and blood flow that boosts your cardiovascular health. Fluid, low-impact movements in stretching help lubricate the joints. These methodical movements from yoga and stretching keep the muscles flexible, strong, and healthy.

Scroll through to get my tips to help improve your stretching and flexibility while increasing your mobility.

Use Proper Form and Muscle Engagement

No matter the stretch, the most important thing to remember is proper form and muscle engagement. Don’t put unnecessary pressure on joints. Touching your toes means nothing if the integrity of your spine is at risk during the stretch. This often happens before of lack of engagement in the core. Just because you are stretching your muscles, does not mean they are at rest. Muscle engagement is very important to maintain correct posture during stretches.

Breathing and Stretching Go Hand-in-Hand

Proper breathing increases the physical and emotional benefits of stretching. Therefore, if you aren’t able to breathe properly during the stretch, you are probably over-stretching or going past your available range of motion. Make sure every stretch is comfortable for you. If you are straining or short of breath in a stretch, pull back on that stretch to avoid injury.

Create a Routine

Mine started with a short, 5-minute stretch every morning to help with back and neck pain. Today, I spend 20 minutes daily on stretching alone. When you’re ready, you can check out my full-length 20-Minute Yoga Flow.

Stay Hydrated

Staying hydrated keeps the body clean and functioning properly.  With stretching and other forms of recovery, you are releasing toxins into the body that are stored in fatty and other connective tissue. Be sure to expel these toxins from the body by drinking water during and after your stretches and daily exercise routine. Don’t like plain water? One of my favorite ways to hydrate is with NOW^® Sports Effer-Hydrate Electrolyte Tabs.* They taste great and make me want to keep drinking!

*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. These products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

Remember Dynamic Stretching Comes First

Dynamic stretching comes before the activity to warm up the muscles and joints. Because a static stretch is the process of stretching a muscle to its limit, it’s best to do so when the muscles are warm.