Sitting at work, looking down at electronics, and driving every day all limit our flexibility which has been linked to multiple health issues. Chronic pain, stiffness, or reduced mobility are all ways your body may be telling you to work on flexibility. Fortunately, yoga is an incredibly restorative process with some of the most solid evidence for benefiting your flexibility.
Yoga stretches all muscle groups and helps you use breathing to deepen your connection to your body. With regular practice, these five yoga poses will improve your flexibility and may even help you reduce stress and feel more connected to yourself and your surroundings.
Low Lunge Side Bend
This simple stretch releases tension in the hip flexors and stretches the obliques, intercostals, and shoulders.
Silver Surfer
Although a bit more challenging in the first pose, this one is great for stretching your shoulders.
Reclining Spinal Twist Eagle Legs
This is a restorative posture that you can hold for 5 to 10 breaths on each side, or even for a couple of minutes if it’s comfortable. It’s especially great for releasing tension in the back.
Screaming Toe with Triceps Stretch
With this pose, you give your toes a big ol’ stretch. Improving flexibility in your feet has a ripple effect up your body—it can help protect the health of your knees, hips, and spine.
Grasshopper
While this is probably the most advanced pose on the list, this one will stretch your abs, hip flexors, quads, and lower back once you get the hang of it.
If you’re ready to start your stretch and would like a little video support, check out this popular 15-minute routine!
This story was part of our Best of 2022 series highlighting our top solutions from the year. Today we’re featuring feel-good lifestyle articles and solutions.
