How to Stay Limber at Home and Avoid Injury

Staying limber is a great way to help you avoid injury. With the way this year has been, it is a good idea to learn how to stay limber at home. 

Plenty of stretching exercises can easily be done at home or anywhere you are. With the right stretching, you can increase your flexibility and avoid injury when exercising or performing as an athlete.

Whether you are a young athlete or older, the right stretches will help keep you flexible. With better flexibility, you will be able to avoid injuries with everyday tasks, your workouts, and everything else you do. 

5 Top Stretches to Stay Limber at Home

1. Common Shoulder Stretch

As you age, you can have some shoulder issues and it is a common part of your body to injure. Using a common shoulder stretch can help loosen you up before any exercise or activity using the muscles around your shoulder.

Start by crossing your arm over your chest and hooking your other arm under with the forearm around your elbow. You will gain leverage from the second arm as you stretch, which will allow you to stretch your shoulder muscles.

Perform this stretch for about 10 to 15 seconds per side.

2. The Toe Touch Stretch

Another good stretch for those trying to become limber and avoid injury is the toe touch stretch. Start with your feet about hip-width apart and bend forward from the hinge at your hips as you extend your arms towards your toes.

With this stretch, you want to keep your back flat and legs as straight as possible. Do this stretch for 10 to 15 seconds at a time.

3. Hip Flexor Stretch

It is not uncommon for a hip injury to sideline you if you do not keep up with your flexibility. The hip flexor stretch can be done by lying on the ground. Bend your right knee with your foot flat on the ground. Then, place your left ankle on your right knee and lift your right leg towards your chest. You can use your arms to lift your leg further and give your hip flexor a good stretch.

This stretch can be performed for up to 60 seconds per side.

4. Side Body Stretch

Another good stretch you can use at home to stay limber is the side body stretch. Start by standing with your feet hip-width apart. Put your left hand on your left hip and raise your right arm towards the ceiling or sky. Bend to the left and turn your body into a “C” shape to stretch the muscles down the side of your body.

You can hold this stretch for 10 to 15 seconds before switching sides.

5. Common Chest Stretch

You will want to keep your chest limber, as well. With the common chest stretch, you can keep your chest muscles loose and limber. 

Start by standing and putting your hands on your lower back. Then, push your elbows towards each other and your chest forward. You will feel a stretch in your chest and you can hold this pose for about 10 seconds.