Balance and flexibility are crucial when it comes to performing some exercises. Furthermore, having a strong core is something you need to have a good balance.
If you are one of those people who follows fitness influencers and personal trainers, you are probably amazed by their flexibility. Some trainers include balance exercises in their workouts to train their core strength.
The thing is, flexibility isn’t something you can improve overnight. It takes weeks, if not months of training to work on your flexibility and balance. Furthermore, it will improve over time as you become stronger. Nonetheless, there are many exercises you can practice to improve your flexibility and balance. Time to put on your favourite pair of womens gym leggings and get right to it!
Split Squats With A Bosu Ball
Before you start this exercise, you should know what a split squat is. To perform a split squat, you need your feet shoulder-width apart. Then, you want to lunge as far as possible but not too far where you pull a muscle. Once you have done that, drop your back knee down towards the ground, with your other leg nearly at a 90-degree angle. Once you have finished that, you straighten your legs, keeping them in the same position and then repeat the exercise. Do this ten times before switching legs.
Once you have mastered this exercise, include a bosu ball. The bosu ball is there to slightly elevate your back leg. It makes this exercise harder and works on your balance. It is a great yet simple exercise that works on your balance and strengthens your legs.
Lunge Hip Flexor Stretch
The lunge hip flexor stretch is an exercise which is included in many yoga workouts. Furthermore, this exercise helps with your flexibility, mobility and coordination. We suggest you perform this exercise as it warms the muscles in your legs and reduces injury during workouts. This stretch is fantastic for those who sit at a desk all day.
This exercise is simple and all you require is a floor and yourself. To start, place your hands on the floor and lunge back with your back leg as far as possible. Straighten out this leg so you begin to feel your hip flexors stretching as your front leg bends in front of you. Whilst in this position, you want to hold it between 10 and 20 seconds before switching to the other leg.
Alternating Arm Plank
Up next is the alternating arm plank, one of our favourites. It is an exercise that people see and believe they can do it straight away however, that is not the case. This exercise requires you to focus, concentrate on your core strength and hold the position. Holding your position throughout this exercise is essential. If you don’t, you are not doing it correctly.
To perform this exercise, get yourself in a press-up position with your arms fully extended. Ensure your legs are shoulder-width apart and lift one arm off the ground, move the arm straight out and then down to the side of your body before returning to the starting position. As you are performing this exercise, you need to ensure your hips are square and not rotating. If they are, start the exercise again. Keep alternating your arms during this exercise.
Pistol Squats
It is an exercise that many people know but is unsure of how you perform the exercise. Nonetheless, it is a great exercise that works the muscles in your legs, more specifically, your quadriceps.
If you are unsure what a pistol squat is, don’t worry. Stick one of your legs out in front of you, and squat down with your leg, aiming to get down as low as possible. Again, do this several times before switching legs.
To begin with, you need to ensure that you have something to support you as you are squatting down. We recommend a stool to hold onto as you perform your pistol squat. Make sure your form is perfect before you move the chair away. Once you have perfected the pistol squat without a chair, include a bosu ball to test your balance.
Conclude
These exercises are great for not only improving your balance and flexibility but, strengthening muscles as well. If you wish to improve your flexibility, we suggest including flexibility exercises in your daily routine.