Let’s face it- some of us are more flexible than others. Flexibility is something you are born with, or without, but there are ways to actually increase your flexibility. Flexibility is extremely important when it comes to health and your body. Stretching your muscles will actually keep them toned. People have seen changes in their muscle tone and build by simply stretching for twenty minutes each day. You should always stretch before and after any type of physical activity, especially cardio and weightlifting workouts. Here are a few exercises that will increase your flexibility and tone your muscles at the same time.

Stretching Your Calf Muscles

The calf muscle is a frequently used muscle. You use them every time you take a step and this is even more reason that they need to be properly stretched. Find a wall and place your body about two or three feet from it. Look at the wall and place both palms on the wall. Slowly lean towards the wall while bending your elbows. Your body should be moving towards the wall without your feet moving. As you get closer to the wall you will feel a pull in the back of your lower legs (calf muscle). Get as close to the wall as your muscles will allow. The key is keeping your heels on the ground. Hold this stretch for thirty seconds.

Thigh Time

Your thigh muscles are some of the largest muscles in your body. It is very easy to injure or strain thigh muscles if they are not stretched properly. To stretch the top portion of your thigh you will need to find something you can use for balance. Place one hand on something and bend the opposite leg back so that your foot is hitting you butt area. Use your free hand to grab the ankle of the leg that is lifted. You can pull your ankle towards your butt/body to increase the intensity of the stretch. Hold this for twenty seconds and then repeat with the other leg.

After you have stretched the top of your thigh you will need to stretch out the inner region of the muscle. You will need to sit on the floor for this exercise. Place your feet straight out in front of you. They should be straight with a tiny bend in the knee. Put your hand on your knees and bend forward. Placing downward pressure on your knees will help you bend further forward. Hold this position for twenty seconds.

Hip Stretch

People often forget to stretch their hips. Increasing the flexibility of your hips will allow your abdominal area to experience an increase in range of motion. To do this exercise you will need to lay on your back on the ground. Place your feet on the floor with your knees bent. Lift one leg up and move it outward. Put the ankle of the lifted leg on the knee of the resting leg. Put your hand through the gap and grab the back of your thigh. Pull your thigh towards your body and hold.

Author Bio: Sara Ryan regularly writes for AML Stone Source, the leading hot stone massage supplies provider. They carry such products as hot stones and hot stones massage kit , as well as many other many other accessories for hot stone therapy.

Category: Wellness, Fitness and Diet
Keywords: hot stones, hot stone massage kit