Most workouts involve a mix of strength and cardio. Maybe you do a dynamic warm-up, then a total-body workout or a quick HIIT routine, and possibly a quick cool-down. Sounds nearly perfect, but here’s the thing. There are three basic components to physical fitness: strength conditioning, aerobic exercise, and flexibility. You might be working on the first two, but chances are you’re not giving that last one enough attention.

The Need-to-Know

Flexibility is obviously important for some people (looking at you, Misty Copeland and super-bendy yogis), but what benefits does flexibility have for the average person?

 

“Flexibility leads to a reduction in injury as well as increased performance,” says Karena Wu, physical therapist and clinical director of ActiveCare Physical Therapy in New York City. When you gain flexibility, “your speed might be better when it comes to sports, and strength and endurance will be the best they can be,” Wu says.

 

But it’s tough to develop flexibility—especially when you’re stuck at a desk all day. “Even if you work out every day, but there’s only a three-minute stretch at the end [of your class], that’s not enough,” says Jackie Dragone, barre director for Flex Studios in New York City. Plus, age is working against you. “You lose water content throughout the body [as you get older], and if you sit all day, the muscles will shorten up,” Wu says. Tight hamstrings and hips, anyone?

 

Luckily there is a straightforward solution. You need to spend more time stretching. And that’s where this list comes in handy.

 

How it works: Just about everyone should be able to do these seven basic stretches, which Wu and Dragone developed. Use them as an at-home test to find your own strengths and weaknesses, then focus on the areas that need it most. Ideally, do all seven every day or at least during your post-workout cool-downs.

 

Try to hold each stretch (on each side) for 30 to 60 seconds, keeping your breath steady and slow throughout. The entire routine should take 6 to 7 minutes.

The 7 Essential Stretches

View complete lists and source here: http://greatist.com/move/stretching-exercises-how-to-test-your-flexibility?utm_source=feedly&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=feed_http–greatistcom-