How do you put your socks on?

‘Socks? What relevance does that have to an exercise blog?’ I hear you ask, bemused expression in your voice. Well, chatting to my friends the other day got me thinking. Some of them sit down on their beds to put their socks on. Others stay standing, nimbly donning each sock while standing on one leg. This goes to show that flexibility has a bearing on our day-to-day activities, affecting small parts of our daily routines.

Socks aside, being flexible might not be top of your priority list. However, the truth is that it’s guaranteed to make you feel good and be more physically able. Here is my short guide on how to get flexible. Bear in mind that it is quite general; the speed and ease at which you become more flexible depends on your age, genetics and the amount you exercise and stretch.

Stretch often

Unless you stretch often, you are unlikely to gain any flexibility. If possible, try stretching every day for at least 15 minutes. It takes a certain amount of patience and commitment to reach your desired level of flexibility, so you have to stick with it. For best results, do a short dynamic warm up beforehand. This will help you avoid pulling muscles and make stretching easier. 

When to stretch

Stretching immediately after exercise is the most effective way to increase your flexibility, as your muscles are already warm and limber, meaning you’ll be able to stretch them further. On a day when haven’t exercised, stretching later in the day has the most beneficial effects, as your muscles are more relaxed. Having said this, it’s a good idea to occasionally change the times when you stretch, so your body gets used to bending.

Relax!

Being relaxed when stretching is key if you’re aiming to become more flexible. If the muscles you’re stretching aren’t relaxed, they will restrict how far you can move, which is counterproductive. It helps to breathe steadily while stretching, and enjoy the feeling of the stretch, rather than go against it. This will make it easier to relax into it.

Becoming more flexible is straightforward, but takes a bit of dedication, consistency and willpower. When you’ve got this in place, you’ll soon start to notice a difference, perhaps in how you put your socks on.

If you would like details on some cool Yoga classes take a look here.

Other blog post which may interest you;
Why is flexibility important
About me
Is hydration important
Yoga or pilates?