When you rise out of your bed in the morning, does it take a forklift to get you up? Is your neck so stiff that you have to paste the newspaper on the wall directly in front of you to read it? If either of the aforementioned is true, then you definitely need some help increasing your flexibility.
The benefits of increased flexibility are numerous. Not only does an increase in flexibility help reduce joint stiffness, but it helps to improve posture and balance. This makes activities of daily living a whole lot easier to endure and life much more enjoyable.
To follow, are 4 ways to increase your flexibility:
1. Head Tilt
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For tension and stiffness in the neck, try a simple stretching exercise called the head tilt. By gently stretching the major major muscles in your neck, the head tilt works to relax your neck muscles while reducing stress.
2. Shoulder Rolls
Stress that manifests itself as tension in your shoulders can make you feel as if you were carrying around the weight of the world. Learn how to relax your shoulder muscles with shoulder rolls.
3. Calf Stretch
The calf is composed of two muscles called the gastrocnemius and the soleus muscles. When these two muscles become tight, walking can be painful. The calf stretch can be done anytime, but is especially beneficial before and after exercise.
4. Quadriceps Stretch
While the calf stretch helps to improve flexibility in your calves, the quadriceps stretch helps to increase flexibility in your quadriceps, or the upper, front part of your thighs. Try the quadriceps stretch both before and after you exercise for maximum benefit.
Remember: If you have COPD, medical supervision is important when starting an exercise program.
Source: Living Well with Chronic Lung Disease: A Guide for Pulmonary Rehabilitation. The Staywell Company. San Bruno, CA. 2005.
