Yoga for Improved Flexibility

If you ask people why they exercise, most will say to stay healthy, keep fit, or because it makes them feel good. Not many will mention flexibility as a goal.

Flexibility exercises are a key part of maintaining your health and avoiding injury, especially as you age. The stretching you do in yoga is an excellent way to improve your flexibility. It's a commonly held misconception that you have to already be flexible to do yoga. In fact, the opposite is true: doing yoga regularly is a sure way to become more flexible. If that's your goal, here are some poses that target major muscles groups that tend to get tight from sitting for long periods or even from other types of exercise, like running. Staying in the poses for several minutes is the way to get a good stretch. Don't expect overnight changes, however.

For best results, do these stretches daily. The following poses are intended to give you some options to fit your current level of flexibility.