Stretching: gentle movements for mobility
Comfortable movement matters more than how far a stretch reaches.
Flexibility concerns the range of movement joints need in everyday life. The NHS lists stretching, yoga and Pilates as examples of relevant activities.
Its simple guide includes gentle head turns, sideways bends and calf stretches supported by a wall. Their shared features are slow, comfortable movement and gradual progression.
Stretching can be combined with strength and balance activities. A greater range need not become a competition: keep movement within a range you can control.
If a movement causes pain, stop rather than pushing through to finish repetitions. After a recent injury, suitable exercises and their range require individual guidance.
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