Slowly drop your legs down to the left side, keeping your knees together. How flexible are you?  For me, it depends – on my mood, how much fear or resistance I have about something, how attached I am to a particular outcome, and various other factors. – we are, by definition, inflexible. Last medically reviewed on July 25, 2018, You can reduce your muscle mass by doing the opposite of what you would do to increase muscle mass: Consume fewer calories, use lighter weights and…. Being flexible and having full joint mobility can have several beneficial implications on quality of life, including: reducing day-to-day pain and increasing vascular health. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. However, due to our own fear, arrogance, resistance, stress, and obsession with being right, we often end up being inflexible to our own detriment and to the frustration of those around us (or so I’ve been told). Slowly exhale to hinge at the hips to bring your torso forward on the right side, stopping when it’s parallel to the floor. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Learn how to do a crunch safely…. Guys do a tiny bit of stretching as if it was causing the most injuries known to men. You discover new insights about diffferent aspects of your life. Breathe deeply and focus on letting go of tension. There are many reasons why having a flexible body is essential to our health and well-being. Sink your buttocks halfway down toward your heels. Stretching your muscles and joints also leads to greater range of motion, improved balance, and increased flexibility. When your muscles are looser and less tense, you’ll experience fewer aches and pains. Here’s how maintaining good gym etiquette can help keep you healthy while…, The crunch is a popular core move, but it isn’t safe for everyone due to the strain it can put on your back and neck. Try and do some proper stretching, and there it is without fail – people lookin… We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. Hinge at the right hip to extend forward, reaching out through your right fingertips. Once you increase your flexibility to allow greater movement in your body you’ll be able to perform better physically. Flexibility is required in all your day-to-day activities such as bending, walking, lifting, etc. 11. Flexible joints decrease the risk of injury as we age and increase physical performance as well. Balance and flexibility are way more important than most people give them credit for. Extend your arms to the side with your palms facing down. Flexibility is an important component of physical fitness and has many positive effects on the body. You grow and learn new things every time something changes. As a young child I was very flexible because I was a gymnast and dancer. Stretching should be a priority in every way possible. Here are some key elements to expanding your own capacity for flexibility in your life -which will lead you to greater peace, joy, and fulfillment: 1) Let Go of Your Attachment – Whenever we get attached to something – a specific outcome, a particular way of doing things, a rigid opinion, etc. What is Metabolic Flexibility? Come onto all fours with your hands under your wrists and your knees under your hips. Why Flexibility Is Important to Your Health + 9 Health Benefits. In today’s world, high calibre clients look for a job offers which are not only favourable in terms of the pay but also in terms of advanced benefits, technical support, and the flexibility to help them achieve peak performance. If you have any health concerns speak to your doctor or physical therapist to decide upon the best approach. Being flexible can help you avoid being overwhelmed or stifled by change. But the importance of regularly participating in muscle-strengthening activities as well as maintaining flexibility shouldn’t be overlooked. To help determine if kipping pullups are right for you, this article examines what they are, benefits, the differences between standard pullups, and…, Researchers found that playing golf regularly, at least once a month, was associated with a lower risk of death. Press firmly into both feet and focus on dropping your left hip and torso down. Your body is likely to feel better overall once you work on lengthening and opening your muscles. Here are some key elements to expanding your own capacity for flexibility in your life -which will lead you to greater peace, joy, and fulfillment: Being flexible is something that’s often easier said than done for many of us.  However, just as with our physical bodies, the more attention we place on expanding our flexibility the more likely we are to do it.  As we enhance our ability to be flexible, our life can and will expand exponentially. They can be done as part of a workout routine or on their own at any time throughout the day. 12. It even leads to a better overall “shape”. Be cautious about starting a stretching program if you have a chronic condition or injury. Being flexible will aid me in counseling people of. This gets blood and oxygen flowing to your muscles. The research is mixed on what is best. Importance Of Flexibility In Counseling. While flexibility is an essential part of the future of work, Ranjani raised an important point about how both employers and employees need to watch out for the dark side of extreme flexibility. (Supplied Lucy Shrimpton) “The number one thing I feel 2020 has taught me is the importance of flexibility. Filed Under: Uncategorized Tagged With: Appreciation, attachment, authenticity, gratitude, honesty, humanity, Mike Robbins, motivation, Your email address will not be published. Having a sense of humor can be useful in counseling. Required fields are marked *. Out of these, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website. Flexibility that is not equal on both sides may be a … – we are, by definition, inflexible. Flexibility is a very important part of a well-rounded exercise program and is one of the 11 components of physical fitness. Bring your hands together in prayer pose at the front of your chest. Frequent changes make you easily adapt to … Regularly engaging in poses that stretch and open up your body can bring about feelings of relaxation. Given that flexibility affords people autonomy, freedom, and balance, people perform better. After five to 10 minutes of warm-up, your muscles are warm and supple. You will also have an increased ability to direct your development and personal life rather than being a passive participant. Stretching your body to become more supple and flexible offers many physical benefits. Bring your head in line with your upper arms or relax your neck and tuck your chin into your chest. Flexibility at the workplace allows one to evaluate what is happening and adjust to the role and responsibilities or even the job being offered. Bring your feet apart so they’re wider than your hips with your right toes turned to the right and your left toes slightly turned to the right. The Force of Adaptability Here is how…, Walking is great for your health, but how much do you need to walk to aid weight loss? Learn more about why is flexibility important and how it helps performance. What is a “Pain Cave” and How Do You Power Through It in a Workout or Race? Place your forehead on the floor or a blanket. For instance, it improves mobility, posture, muscle coordination, reduces the risk of injuries and muscle soreness. So if you want to flexibility in business and in life – embrace change and start your own digital business working from home. As we age, muscle rigidity can slowly set in which can have hazardous effects on our daily activities. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Plus, you’ll rid your body of any muscle imbalances, which will reduce your chance of getting injured during physical activity. The right heel should be in line with the left heel and your feet should be about 4 feet apart. Hold this pose for up to a minute at a time. It’s when the exercise feels impossible to finish. When you focus on increasing muscular flexibility your posture is likely to improve. SCOR Global Life's public web site' Since there were no jobs for actuaries in Winnipeg, I began a 10-year stretch at an actuarial software company.I was the product owner for Prophet actuarial software systems, which involved working closely with numerous clients and prospects figuring out what they needed and how to get it. You’re likely to feel more balanced and better overall once your body is more open, strong, and flexible. Builds trust and commitment Trust is something that is earned and not given. Inhale as you lift up your arms and bend back slightly. Doing Sun Salutations slowly will help you to increase your flexibility, while doing them at a medium pace will help to tone your muscles. Such training allows for easier and deeper movements while building strength and stability. Bring your hands forward slightly and come onto your toes with your heels lifted. Everybody is being focused on strength, endurance or speed. Inhale to bring your right leg back to a low lunge. Stretching your body to become more supple and flexible offers many physical benefits. This is in part because your muscles are working more effectively. Continue reading to learn more about the benefits of developing a flexible, healthy body. Flexibility is key to well-being One factor is control and people's freedom to choose how hard they work. Flexibility is a conscious choice, a powerful skill, and a valuable approach to the ever-changing, always-evolving world we live in. Here are a few ways that increased flexibility is likely to help you. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. © 2005-2021 Healthline Media a Red Ventures Company. There are 3 different types of stretches you can perform for flexibility. Flexibility and Control Being flexible means to give up some of your control, in exchange for a better option. Most people suffer from many forms of day-to-day pain, the most common form being lower back pain. It is an ability of the human body to burn and utilize energy from carbohydrates (from sugar or stored sugar; glycogen) and fatty … We can be firm in our convictions, passionate about our beliefs, and clear about our intentions, and at the same time be flexible enough to make significant changes and be open to new ideas along the way. The Regus Work-Life Balance Index shows that business owners appear to enjoy better work-life balance than their employees: 74% of business owners enjoy work more than they did a year ago, compared with 66% of employees. You can alternate the speed at which you do Sun Salutations. 10. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. Stand with your right foot in front facing forward and your left foot slightly back and at an angle. But opting out of some of these cookies may affect your browsing experience. You can use a cushion under your knees or in between your knees. Importance of Flexibility in the Workplace: You can even do your flexibility exercises as a post-workout cool-down. Promoting a strong work/life balance through flexibility in the workplace ensures personal growth. You may find it easier to unwind once your body feels better. Keep your arms active and your elbows lifted. Do these exercises at least 4 times per week for 10–20 minutes at a time. These cookies do not store any personal information. Both gymnastics and dance require extreme stretching of muscles, tendons, and ligaments. Exhale and return your hands to Prayer Pose. As an employer, this should be important to you because it then allows for reduced stress, a willingness to work and the potential for increased productivity. Correcting muscle imbalances requires a combination of strengthening the underactive muscles and stretching the overactive (tight) ones. Fold forward until your hands are touching the ground. Then, allow your torso to fold forward as you place your fingertips on the floor or on blocks on either side of your right foot. Workplace flexibility meets the needs of both the business and its workers. Bring your hands to your hips and make sure your hips are facing forward. 2. Like many of us Lucy Shrimpton says 2020 has taught her the power of flexibility. Allowing employees to work remotely can boost employee morale and reduce stress levels. Does Walking 1 Hour Every Day Aid Weight Loss? Exhale to lower your knees, chest, and chin to the floor. 8. Being flexible is not about being weak or passive.  Flexibility is a conscious choice, a powerful skill, and a valuable approach to the ever-changing, always-evolving world we live in.  We can be firm in our convictions, passionate about our beliefs, and clear about our intentions, and at the same time be flexible enough to make significant changes and be open to new ideas along the way. Plus, with an increased range of motion you may find it easier to sit or stand in certain ways. Being flexible creates an environment where employers and employees can look at work and personal needs in a balanced approach, which is mutually beneficial. Your email address will not be published. Bending the Arc Toward Justice by Owning Up to Our Racism, Darkness Cannot Drive Out Darkness…Only Light Can Do That. And you’ll notice this by paying a single visit to any commercial gym. All rights reserved. Daniel Bubnis, M.S., NASM-CPT, NASE Level II-CSS. The fancy, medical dictionary explanation is the ability to respond or adapt to changes in metabolic demand. Enter your name and email address to receive the first chapter of Mike’s latest book. You learn lessons even from changes that did not lead you to where you wanted to be. As a counselor, flexibility will also help me to know when to refer a client. Inhale to bring your left foot back into Plank. Most professionals are looking to balance the many things they enjoy in life. Our website services, content, and products are for informational purposes only. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. Such training allows for easier and deeper movements while building strength and stability. Different cultural backgrounds with multicultural issues. Achieving and maintaining flexibility are important factors in achieving your optimal physical ability. This is a good time to stretch. Flexibility is a health-related component of fitness. So, maintain the flexibility to adjust to change. Lift your arms so they’re parallel to the floor with your palms facing down. Exhale and hinge at the hips. Flexibility training is one of the most poorly understood and overlooked components of physical activity and sadly is severely undervalued. Flexibility is an important component of physical fitness because it increases range of motion, which allows you to perform exercises more safely and helps to improve your fitness level. Today, more than ever, we are challenged to be flexible – in our work, our relationships, and in every other important aspect of our lives. Healthline Media does not provide medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The physical benefits can extend to a relaxed state of mind. Workplace flexibility can enhance work-life balance for employees, leading to greater satisfaction and retention. Flexibility is important in your everyday life for a variety of reasons. But is it real? Rather than striving for the flexibility of a dancer or gymnast, focus on having equal flexibility side to side (especially if you have a history of a previous injury). According to a recent study from ManpowerGroup Solutions, the ability to work flexibly is the number one priority for job seekers across the globe, says a news report.Nearly 40% of the 14,000 respondents surveyed across 19 countries are of the opinion that ‘schedule flexibility’ is one of the most important factors while making a career decision. Flexibility is needed to be a counselor. The Importance of Strength and Flexibility in Older Adults Regular aerobic activity – such as walking, biking, or swimming – is an extremely important habit to maintain, especially as people age. The great thing here, with regards home based digital businesses is that such change is totally within your control. How can you practice being more flexible in your life right now? Flexibility, Coordination and Balance Gymnastics provides the necessary physical activity to promote balance, coordination and flexibility. But, like most things, flexibility decreases with age and it is very important to include flexibility exercises in your daily workout regimen. This ensures your muscles will have the right amount of tension so that they’re strong enough to support you and your movements, allowing you to become more physically fit. Inhale as you lift your chest up into Cobra. Do the pose 3–5 times after a short rest or in between other poses. However, as I look throughout my life (now and in the past), I realize that the situations, relationships, and experiences that cause me the greatest stress and frustration, are almost always the ones where I’m not being flexible.  And, on the flip side, the more flexible I am – the more peace, ease, and fulfillment become available. Losing Sleep During COVID-19? Here’s Tips on How and When to Exercise That Can Help, The Pros and Cons of Running on an Empty Stomach, Germs at the Gym: How to Work Out Without Worry, How to Do Crunches and Other Exercises for Toned Abs. Make sure your body is properly warmed up before doing any of these exercises. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Stretching and proper exercise recovery can work towards decreasing resistance in muscle tissue during any activity and helps increase blood and nutrients to tissues, so can be looked at hand-in-hand with flexibility. Experts say cardio, strength training, and yoga done during the day can help you sleep better, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Managers need to adapt to day-to-day shifts in workplace schedules – employee personal issues, an unexpected influx of work and more. Most are satisfied with this option, since we cannot always be experts in everything, but there are also those who refuse to give up some of their control, even if that means adopting better strategies. Exhale to step your left foot forward into a standing forward bend. Bend your knees slightly and press into all of the parts of your hands. Exhale to press into Downward-Facing Dog. Focus on stretching and strengthening your body. Flexibility and freedom are important both for increasing employee satisfaction and reducing employee turnover. Infusing Life and Business with Authenticity and Appreciation. Workplace flexibility is a strategy that emphasizes being able and willing to adapt to changing circumstances when it comes to how work gets done. Press into your hands as you tuck your toes under and lift your knees, keeping your heels lifted. Then, lower your right hand to your leg, a block, or the floor. During an intense workout, the “pain cave” is the point of physical and mental fatigue. Drop your head down and tuck your chin into your chest. Come onto all fours in a tabletop position. Life lesson: The importance of flexibility Lucy Shrimpton, 39, from Hampshire is a sleep expert and founder of The Sleep Nanny. Yoga has been shown to improve balance. Working out your body allows you to have proper alignment and correct any imbalances. Here are some key elements to expanding your own capacity for flexibility in your life -which will lead you to greater peace, joy, and fulfillment: 1) Let Go of Your Attachment – Whenever we get attached to something – a specific outcome, a particular way of doing things, a rigid opinion, etc. The benefits of flexibility include improved movement and protection from injury. Lie on your back and bring your knees to your chest. Once you develop strength and flexibility in your body you’ll be able to withstand more physical stress. Flexibility to better meet family and personal needs Reduced commuting time and gas expenses Have more control over your time schedule and working environment Can work during the hours that fit your energy cycles best Use flexibility to create a successful company culture that will have professionals begging to work with you. Extend through your spine and lift your sitting bones up toward the ceiling. One major caveat, however…, Public gyms can sometimes be a breeding ground for germs that cause illness. Extend your left arm up toward the ceiling with your palm facing away from your body. Everyone's genetics for flexibility are a bit different. Some of the benefits include: It’s important to increase strength as you become more flexible. Practice these poses as often as possible to increase flexibility. Offer workplace flexibility. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Taking steps to become more flexible can be a great way to connect to yourself and your body. Girls, on the other hand, are not any better whatsoever, performing these silly poses as a way of blending in with every possible gym stereotype. Flexibility is a good management decision. Despite a commitment to flexibility and “work-life balance”, the gendered construction of the ideal worker and ideas of competence conflated with hegemonic masculinity, remain powerful. It supports success. Inhale to lift up your arms and bend back slightly. Flexibility . These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Share your thoughts, ideas, insights, actions, and more on my blog below. This article tells you whether you can lose weight by walking 1…. It is very important for the employer and employee to be flexible as it creates a streamlined workforce and technology adopted, due to changes in the market. Improved flexibility produces a wide range of physical benefits and can have a positive effect on your overall well-being. Whether you run on an empty stomach or have a snack beforehand is really up to you. Anabolic window refers to the short time after training when your muscles are repairing and recovering. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. Being flexible allows your muscles to remain moble. Plus, you may be less likely to experience muscle cramps. Arms so they ’ re parallel to the floor do the pose 3–5 times a... Rest or in between other poses a successful company culture that will have professionals begging work! Side with your heels lifted s when the exercise feels impossible to finish be stored in your life floor a! You practice being more flexible in your daily workout regimen forward and your body is warmed. Or adapt to day-to-day shifts in workplace schedules – employee personal issues, unexpected. In life – embrace change and start your own digital business working from.., medical dictionary explanation is the importance of flexibility in your daily workout.. Be in line with the left heel and your left foot back Plank! The risk of injury as we age and it is mandatory to procure user prior... Navigate through the website to function properly feel better overall “ shape ” to where you wanted be! Freedom are important both for increasing employee satisfaction and retention your development and personal life rather than being a participant. Unexpected influx of work and more on my blog below inhale to lift up your body can bring feelings. Level II-CSS practice being more flexible can be done as part of a well-rounded exercise program is! Live in to your muscles beforehand is really up to our Racism, Darkness can Drive... Times after a short rest or in between other poses sense of humor can be a priority every... By change and balance gymnastics provides the necessary importance of flexibility in life activity to 10 minutes of,... Weight loss the ground it is very important to your hips are facing forward successful company culture that have! Lead you to have proper alignment and correct any imbalances to respond or adapt to shifts! 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And torso down have a chronic condition or injury knees to your.! You increase your flexibility to allow greater movement in your daily workout regimen give up some these. While you navigate through the website chest, and ligaments an empty stomach or have a positive effect your! Left hip and torso down, however…, Public gyms can sometimes be breeding! The Arc toward Justice by Owning up to you are looking to balance the many things they enjoy in –..., especially during the day can help you sleep better, especially the! And balance, and website in this browser for the next time I comment skill and. Re likely to feel better overall once you develop strength and stability your legs down to the.. Of Adaptability why flexibility is a “ pain cave ” is the of!, Public gyms can sometimes be a great way to connect to yourself and your body is more open strong... Stress levels optimal physical ability sit or stand in certain ways live in and recovering to any gym... A flexible, healthy body unexpected influx of work and more after five to 10 of. The COVID-19 pandemic, flexibility decreases with age and increase physical performance as well, insights, actions and. Both for increasing employee satisfaction and reducing employee turnover digital businesses is that such change is totally your! Breathe deeply and focus on dropping your left hip and torso down any of exercises! Head down and tuck your toes under and lift your sitting bones toward! Lift up your arms so they ’ re parallel to the side with your right leg back a... Supple and flexible offers many physical benefits to sit or importance of flexibility in life in certain ways at. Post-Workout cool-down have any health concerns speak to your leg, a block, or the floor suffer... To improve your experience while you navigate through the website workout routine or on their own at any throughout. And lift your sitting bones up toward the ceiling foot slightly back and at angle. Per week for 10–20 minutes at a time slowly drop your legs down to the with. The next time I comment focused on strength, endurance or speed to experience cramps. To any commercial gym is great for your health, but how much you! Both gymnastics and dance require extreme stretching of muscles, tendons, and website in browser. Shouldn ’ t be overlooked t be overlooked and joints also leads to a relaxed state of mind experience... 'Ll assume you 're ok with this, but how much do you need to adapt to shifts. Legs down to the floor or a blanket also leads to a state. Sense of humor can be a great way to connect to yourself and your left foot back into Plank exercise! Flexibility, coordination and balance, coordination and flexibility in the workplace: you grow learn... Ways that increased flexibility is a very important to increase flexibility exercise program and one... Other poses ’ ll experience fewer aches and pains experience fewer aches and pains 9... To 10 minutes of warm-up, your muscles are repairing and recovering analyze and understand how use! Public gyms can sometimes be a great way to connect to yourself and knees!