Bend, Don't Break... Flexibility & Core Strength

Let's talk about the final components of a well-rounded fitness routine:  flexibility, stretching, balance, & core strength. As mentioned in weeks past, these activities also have many benefits. They contribute to injury prevention, quicker recovery from some injuries, less pain, decreased stress levels, improved immunity, better sleep, etc.

As with all new exercises, remember to slowly add (or increase) them into your routine. Pain is usually not a good sign. So, consider modifying the exercise/pose to meet your current ability. While these activities can contribute to improved quality of life, please see your healthcare provider first if you have pain, mobility, joint, or balance issues.

Flexibility, Stretching, & Balance
- WebMD's Stretching and Flexibility: 7 Tips
- WebMD's Feel Good Stretching Routine
- Frank Horton Associates' 10 Reasons to Try Yoga
- NCCIH's The Practice of Yoga Video (4min)
- Mayo Clinic's Tai Chi
- NCCIH's Tai Chi & Qi Gong for Health and Well-being Video (14min)

Core
- Harvard School of Public Health's The Real-world Benefits of Strengthening Your Core
- Yahoo Health's 6 Better Core Exercises for Beginners
- ACE Fitness' Core Workout
- ACE Fitness' Stability Ball Workout