How to improve flexibility – 3 Top Tips.

Some people come to yoga to improve their flexibility, while others believe they can’t start a yoga practice because they are not flexible. To improve something, we need to work on it, so beginning a yoga practice is a great way to increase your flexibility over time. Here’s How to improve flexibility – 3 Top Tips.

During the spring season we are working with the energy of the wood element. Taking on the attributes of a tree – strong enough to stand tall, well rooted & grounded, yet with the flexibility to withstand the fierceness of the weather. Working on our flexibility at this time of year is a great way to improve not just our physical abilities to move, but to stretch our mental approach to change too.

Progress not Perfection

Hamumanasana or front splits is an extreme form of flexibility, but as you can see from the image above I made some solid progress by dedicating time, effort and energy into improving in this position. This took a lot of understanding of the posture and learning where to build strength within the body and how to release tightness to improve flexibility.

Before starting let’s make sure we all have the same definition of flexibility – this is the ability of the soft tissues (muscles) to passively stretch. This means we are can move in a direction independently of any props or support. Mobility is slightly different. This refers to the joints and their ability to move through a full range of motion. Yoga works on both of these levels, with yin yoga focusing more on mobility.

How to improve flexibility – 3 Top Tips:

1. It all begins with your posture. Try standing against a wall, your hips/buttocks should touch the wall with a curve in the lower back. Mid-back/shoulder blades again come to the wall with a curve at the neck and then the back of the head. Weight should be distributed evenly through both feet, and you should be can lift your toes.
2. Spend some time each morning stretching. Before getting out of bed – a spinal twist works wonders for the back. Follow this with a gentle butterfly position by taking the soles of the feet together and folding forwards.
3. Try a foot massage. You can release some tightness within the body, improving your range of mobility. This is great to do before heading to bed for the night, as it can help improve sleep. More rest is another way to help improve your flexibility.

Want to improve your flexibility and enjoy more benefits of a regular yoga practice? Then join my FREE 3-day Serene Sleep Challenge.