Ways to improve flexibilty?!
Question: I am a 28 yr old male. I am extremly unflexible, have always been that way but it seems to be getting worse and worse. I spend about 20 minutes a day stretching out but it does not seem to help. I can not come close to touching my toes, i constantly get shin splints and feel very stiff all over my whole body, neck, wrists, back, legs....everywhere. Is there any vitamins/food medicine, stretches etc to improve my quality of life.
Answers: I am a 28 yr old male. I am extremly unflexible, have always been that way but it seems to be getting worse and worse. I spend about 20 minutes a day stretching out but it does not seem to help. I can not come close to touching my toes, i constantly get shin splints and feel very stiff all over my whole body, neck, wrists, back, legs....everywhere. Is there any vitamins/food medicine, stretches etc to improve my quality of life.
Glucosamine and Chondroiton are great to help joints. However, I wonder if you are warming up properly. Your body will be much more pliable if your muscles are warm. You should be doing soft and gentle stretches. It takes time to become flexible. It is one component of fitness. All 3 components are necessary for good health. (cardiovascular and strength) Pilates and Yoga are great for stretching. You will see progress fairly quick if you practice them regularly and with good technique. You should be able to find classes in your area.
The only way to improve flexibility is to keep up with it. Shin splints, I get against a wall or fence and kinda lunge to stretch those out. To make those feel better though, you need to ice, ice ice!
YOGA
trying walking longer distances on a regular basis. this would then stretch all of your muscles, and if you keep up with it, should help with your flexibility.