Why Balance & Flexibility Workouts Should Be Part Of Your Fitness Routine?

After experiencing significant improvements in shoulder stiffness and pain, as well as a better mood, from attending yoga classes, I became inspired to share my thoughts on the importance of stretching and mobility exercises.

Although I have been incorporating these types of exercises into my fitness routine for the past year or two, I, like many others, used to solely focus on aerobic/cardio and strength/weight training, neglecting the equally crucial balance/flexibility workouts.

These exercises not only contribute to overall health and well-being but also aid in preventing falls and injuries, improving posture, reducing muscle tension and soreness, and increasing range of motion.

In this article, we will delve into popular exercises and classes that promote balance and flexibility and explore their associated health benefits.

Balance Exercises and Classes:

1.     Yoga: Yoga is a practice that focuses on flexibility, strength, and balance. Many yoga poses require you to balance on one foot or hand, which can improve overall balance and coordination. Practicing yoga can also help to reduce stress and anxiety.

2.     Pilates: Pilates is a form of exercise that focuses on strengthening the core muscles and improving posture. Many Pilates exercises require you to maintain balance, which can help to improve overall stability.

3.     Tai Chi: Tai Chi is a gentle form of exercise that involves slow, flowing movements and deep breathing. Tai Chi can improve balance, coordination, and flexibility, as well as reduce stress and improve mental health.

4.     Balance Training: Balance training involves exercises that challenge your balance and coordination, such as standing on one foot, walking heel-to-toe, and balancing on an unstable surface. These exercises can help to improve overall balance and reduce the risk of falls.

Flexibility Exercises and Classes:

1.     Stretching: Stretching exercises can help to improve flexibility and range of motion in your muscles and joints. Regular stretching can also help to reduce muscle tension and soreness, which can improve your overall quality of life.

2.     Yoga: Yoga poses involve stretching and twisting, which can help to increase flexibility in the muscles and joints. Yoga can also help to reduce stress and anxiety.

3.     Pilates: Pilates exercises can help to improve flexibility in the muscles and joints, especially in the back and core. Pilates can also help to improve posture and reduce muscle tension.

4.     Dance: Dancing involves moving the body in various ways, which can improve overall flexibility and coordination. Dancing can also be a fun and social way to exercise.

Benefits of Balance and Flexibility Exercises:

1.     Improved Balance: Practicing balance exercises and classes can help to improve overall stability and reduce the risk of falls.

2.     Better Posture: Exercises that focus on improving flexibility and core strength can help to improve posture and reduce muscle tension.

3.     Increased Flexibility: Regular flexibility exercises and classes can help to increase range of motion in the muscles and joints, which can improve overall mobility.

4.     Reduced Stress: Many balance and flexibility exercises involve deep breathing and relaxation techniques, which can help to reduce stress and anxiety.

5.     Benefit your Gastrointestinal Health: Regular stretching and movement can help stimulate the digestive system, relieving constipation and promoting bowel regularity.

To sum up, incorporating balance and flexibility exercises and classes into your fitness routine can result in a healthier and more balanced lifestyle. These workouts, whether it is the slow, flowing movements of Tai Chi or the challenging balance exercises, can improve overall stability, flexibility, and range of motion, while reducing stress and promoting better mental health. In addition, certain exercises such as yoga and Pilates can also improve gut motility and promote healthy digestion.

As someone who has experienced the benefits firsthand, I can confidently say that balance and yoga classes have become my favorite me-time of the week!

Even if you do not have time for a full Pilates or yoga class, remember to stretch after your cardio and weight training workouts.

Prioritizing these types of exercises can significantly improve your overall well-being, reducing muscle soreness and tension, enhancing your quality of life, and promoting healthy digestion.

References:

• "Balance exercises can help to improve overall stability and reduce the risk of falls." (Mayo Clinic, 2023).

• "Regular flexibility exercises can help to increase range of motion in the muscles and joints, which can improve overall mobility." (Harvard Health Publishing, 2023).

• "Many balance and flexibility exercises involve deep breathing and relaxation techniques, which can help to reduce stress and anxiety." (Healthline, 2023).

• "Regular stretching and movement can help stimulate the digestive system, relieving constipation and promoting bowel regularity." (National Institutes of Health, 2023).

Stéphanie