Why We Included Flexibility in Our Fitness Plans

When most people think about getting fit, they think of cardio, strength training, and maybe some core work. But there’s one element of fitness that often gets overlooked — flexibility. 

At Novell Primary Care and Weight Loss, we intentionally included flexibility in our fitness plans because it’s not just a “nice to have”; it’s an important part of a well-rounded, healthy body.

Read on to learn why flexibility is a core part of our fitness plans.

Flexibility is more than just touching your toes

Flexibility refers to the range of motion in your joints and muscles. When you're more flexible, your body moves with greater ease, which can help you perform daily tasks more comfortably whether that’s bending to tie your shoes, picking up your kids, or turning your head while driving. 

Flexibility supports better posture, reduces muscle stiffness, and decreases your risk of injury, especially as you get older.

5 reasons why we include flexibility in our fitness plans

Each fitness plan we craft is carefully curated to match your goals. This means that the specific stretches included in your plan are chosen for a reason. Regardless of what flexibility training you do, there are five reasons why flexibility has a home in your fitness plan.

1. It helps with weight loss 

Tight muscles can interfere with your ability to complete cardio and strength workouts safely and effectively. When you improve your flexibility, you improve your form, which means you can exercise more efficiently and with less risk of pulling a muscle. 

2. Stretching helps with recovery

Feeling sore after a tough workout? Flexibility exercises like stretching or gentle yoga help your body recover. These exercises can reduce soreness and improve circulation.

3. It reduces stress and boosts your mental health

Flexibility-focused exercises, such as deep stretching and mobility work, often include intentional breathing techniques. This type of flexibility training, particularly the breathwork that goes along with it, can help lower your heart rate, reduce anxiety, and give your mind a much-needed break. 

4. Stretching boosts your endothelial function 

Small bouts of stretching aren’t just relaxing; they’re backed by science. Just a few minutes of static stretching can improve blood flow by boosting your endothelial function.

Your endothelium (the lining of your blood vessels) is an under-discussed part of your well‑being. When your endothelium is functioning properly, your arteries can flex and relax properly and even reduce your risk of disease. When your endothelium isn’t working quite right, you may have a higher risk of cardiovascular conditions. 

In fact, a 2020 meta‑analysis of eight studies found that regular stretching over several months improved endothelial function and decreased arterial stiffness in middle‑aged and older adults compared to doing nothing.

The bottom line is that flexibility training provides a boost in circulation and helps deliver more oxygen and nutrients to your muscles and cartilage while supporting healthy endothelial function.

5. Flexibility helps prevent sports injuries

Nothing can take you out of the game quite like a sports injury. Flexibility training can help reduce your risk of sports injuries, including sprains, strains, and fractures.

Our plans are designed for real life

At Novell, we believe your fitness routine should support your life — not the other way around. Flexibility training helps your body feel better in everyday movement, whether you're cleaning the house, chasing after kids, or working long hours at a desk. 

That’s why you’ll find simple, practical stretches and mobility exercises in our fitness plans. You don’t need to be a yogi or gymnast. Just a few minutes a day can make a big difference.

Start where you are

If it’s been a while since you’ve stretched, don’t worry. Start with small, gentle movements and gradually increase your range of motion. 

Our team at Novell Primary Care and Weight Loss is here to guide you with safe, customized fitness plans that match your ability and weight loss goals, including the flexibility work your body needs to feel strong, agile, and balanced.

Want help building a balanced fitness routine that includes flexibility, strength, and cardio? 

Whether you're just starting out or looking to refine your routine, Penelope and our team are here to help you build a plan that works for your body and goals. With our custom weight-loss programs, personalized fitness guidance, and local class recommendations like Kinetix or Orangetheory Fitness, you don’t have to go it alone. 

And if you need extra accountability? We’ve got you covered! Working with experienced trainers like Margaret Maxwell can help keep you on track. 

Schedule a fitness consultation at Novell Primary Care and Weight Loss in Tallahassee, Florida. Call or click to get started!