We hear about the importance of flexibility but do we do anything to improve this most overlooked aspect of fitness?
The problem is so much focus is on cardio and strength we ignore flexibility. But flexibility can improve cardio and strength. If your muscles are less sore and better able to move, this can improve your performance and help you with recovery.
I’ll admit that it took me awhile to get into yoga. I had trouble staying focused and would rather do a cardio workout. But the few times I would do yoga, I would be reminded how great I would feel afterward. And I’d always say why don’t I do this more often.
As I began doing conditioning with our athletic teams, I began to incorporate flexibility into their training and realized I need to work it into mine.
I still had trouble making it part of my routine. It wasn’t until the pandemic hit that I finally made it work. As I prepared to return in person to work and was a nervous wreck, I needed to find something to help calm me down each day. I work out first thing in the morning so if I could fit yoga in then, it would be a good way to relax me heading into the day.
I now have a yoga/stretching/cool-down routine I do after every workout including multiple yoga poses and stretches. It takes me about ten minutes and not only helps wind down my workout but helps calm me before I start my day. I’ve been doing it since fall 2020 and I am so glad I include it as part of my routine.
I don’t feel as tight after workouts thanks to the incorporation of these stretches and poses. This in turn helps me feel better in my cardio workouts which improves my performance.
So if you haven’t given yoga a try or have and have given up, I’m telling you to give it another try. I gave up on yoga multiple times but it finally clicked for me and is a good way for me to relax a little each day.
Namaste I told you so when you fall in love with yoga and see it’s many benefits.
#fitnesstips #yoga #stressmanagement
#flexibility #onetoughmother
