Everyone talks about relaxation techniques to improve flexibility. But really, lacking flexibility is a sign from your body that it needs to be stronger, not more relaxed.
I know, I know. In your head, building strength and building flexibility mean entirely different things. But they aren’t.
Building strength and building flexibility are both about building ownership over your body and muscles.
When you build strength, your muscles are able to lift more (*strength*), and if you do it right, your muscles gain the ability to tolerate larger motions (*flexibility*).
When your body gets tight or inflexible, it is a sign that you need more strength. HOW you build your strength matters and most of us are taught entirely wrong.
Things to remember when strength training to build flexibility:
- Move slowly. Yes, be the slowest one in the gym (or at home).
- Respect, don’t push, your range of motion. More motion is not better. Staying in the range of motion that is pain free and feels good allows your body to do more later.
- Connect with your muscles. Brain-muscle connection is key to claiming ownership over how your body moves.
Want to do this together? Join me in my FREE 3-day mini series called “Perfectly Fit for 50+”. This program is made for those of you that are brand new to exercise and have never worked on strength training before. Of course, you can always modify it to make exercises more challenging if needed. I can’t wait to see you in the series! [CLICK HERE TO REGISTER FOR FREE]
Julie
Julie CatesJulie Cates is an experienced, certified, and insured National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) Certified Personal Trainer and mastery level Muscle Activation Techniques® (MAT®) Rx Specialist (MATRx). She is one of 88 certified mastery level Resistance Training Specialists® (RTSm) in the world. This combination makes her style of training impactful and still preventative and restorative of joint and muscle issues and pain that are common with exercise. Julie specializes working with women 50 and over. Specifically, her main focus is working with women with bone density loss, muscle loss, Osteopenia, and Osteoporosis. Julie has incredible experience working with brand new exercisers. Very specific types and styles of exercises are needed for restoring and maintaining bone density, and Julie guides her clients through these in a pain-free way. She is also well experienced in helping women exercise even with various joint, bone, systemic, and neurological diagnoses. Julie is definitely your go-to personal trainer for women with Osteoporosis! Julie graduated cum laude from the University of Florida. She earned her degree in Applied Physiology and Kinesiology with a specialization in Exercise Physiology. Julie is the co-owner of Muscle Activation Schaumburg in Schaumburg, IL. She is a wife and mother of two. Julie can be reached via e-mail at julie@matschaumburg.com. Follow her on Instagram at @julcates!