Trouble with your mobility? Looking to increase your flexibility but nervous about how long it’ll take you? Better flexibility is a worthwhile goal to works towards, but won’t happen overnight. So in this article, we answer the question of “how long does it take to get flexible” and also teach you how to do it.
What Is Flexibility?
Being flexible lets you do many physical activities and exercise to stay healthy
First, what is flexibility? Flexibility is the ability to move your body in a pain free and unrestricted range of motion. There are minimum levels of flexibility that you need to maintain your health and overall quality of life. Things like living a inactive lifestyle, not stretching, and injuries can all make you inflexible and reduce your range of motion.
How Long Does it Take to Get Flexible?
So now let’s address the question of how long does it take to get flexible. It may take a couple of weeks to a few months for you to notice any difference in your flexibility. This will all depend on your age, consistency with flexibility training, and your genetics. But not to worry, everyone can improve their flexibility with the right training, consistent work or with the right massage.
How to Improve Your Flexibility
Stretching
The first key aspect to increase flexibility in your body is through different types of stretching. Static stretching is great for flexibility, involving stretching and holding different parts of your body whilst standing, sitting or lying still. These are done for 30 seconds, and are best completed before or after exercise in combination with dynamic stretching. Good stretches to use include the cobra pose, head-to-knee forward bend, and bicep stretch.
Dynamic stretches on the other hand are controlled movements. These will get your body ready for more intense and heavy movements because they resemble the movements made during exercise. We recommend walking lunges, windmills, and the upper body twist. With regular stretching, your flexibility increases after 2 to 4 weeks.
Yoga
Start doing some yoga for a fun and low stress way to improve your flexibility
The practice of yoga and the poses that are involved stretch out your muscles. With regular practice, doing yoga will help your flexibility as your muscles will adapt to the consistent stretching. And it’s also good for building strength in different muscle groups while being a low impact exercise. Try starting with 15 to 30 minutes a day and you can start feeling more flexible in just 4 weeks!
Strength Training
Strength training is another effective way to improve flexibility. With stronger muscles, you will be able to move parts of your body easier and with better range of motion. You can also add flexibility exercises after your strength training to help even more, such as short yoga sessions. Flexibility in your body increases after about 8 weeks of constant training.
Massage
Massaging your body is one way to instantly improve your flexibility
Our final recommendation for helping your flexibility is massages. The stimulation of your muscles, joints and ligaments releases tension, making them looser. Muscle fibers are also stretched and painful knots are broken up. With the right massage, your flexibility can improve straight away.
Start Your Flexibility Journey Today!
So how long does it take to get flexible? The answer to that can be a day with the right massage, to a few weeks with some stretching or yoga. With OSIM UK, you’ll find massage chairs and devices that will help you along your flexibility journey. Browse our range and help your flexibility today!