Boost Flexibility, Boost Fitness! :

Flexibility and balance are critical factors in achieving your peak physical potential , but they are overlooked many times. It’s all about "pumping iron." Often I hear, "Flexibility and balance? I’m fine in those departments." Don't be so sure.

On a scale of 1–10, how would you rate your balance and flexibility? Be honest. Think they’re pretty good? Try these simple tests. For balance, try to put your pants on without sitting on the edge of the bed. Don’t hold on to anything either. How’d you do? Not as balanced as you thought?

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Flexibility assists our joints in moving freely through a full range of motion. In our daily lives, this enables us to tie our shoes with greater ease, or comfortably reach for things.

Whether you need to get on a ladder to change a light bulb or catch a ground ball, you need strength in the core muscles, which include the abs and lower back.

Today, more than half the population over the age of 74 has difficulty performing activities of daily living, such as standing, walking, bending, reaching, grasping and climbing stairs. Don’t let that be your fate! Here are some suggestions to help you get limber and balanced.

To improve your flexibility, stretch. Daily stretching is recommended, but if that isn’t possible, you should at least stretch all the muscle groups worked after each workout. Perform 2–3 stretches per group and hold each one for 15–30 seconds. Always stretch to the point of mild tension, never pain.

Stretching can also help alleviate chronic pain and discomfort. The lower back is a great example. Most often, low back pain is caused by tight hamstrings. Tight hamstrings can cause an exaggeration in the curve of the back, which leads to back pain. eDiets fitness plan provides stretches for every muscle group. Use them often!

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