Muscle Stretching Enhancers

Developing muscle flexibility should be part of an effective fitness routine, along with building muscle strength and improving cardiovascular health. Whether you're stretching before and after a workout to warm up and cool down or stretching as a form of physical activity, certain tools and enhancers can make your stretches deeper, safer and more beneficial for your body.

Straps and Ropes

• Straps, which are often associated with yoga, can help deepen stretches. However, stretches may also be assisted by ropes. These unyielding enhancers can help give you extra pull in creating the deepest stretch possible. For instance, imagine your typical folded stretch, where you're seated and try to touch your toes. While the flexible elite might be able to grasp her toes, you might fall short. Looping a strap or rope around the soles of your feet gives you extra leverage to pull deeper into the stretch without actually having to touch your toes.

Rollers

• Foam rollers are regulars in the world of stretching and physiotherapy. Their flexible material and round shape work well for back stretches. If you have a sore back after a long day of work, lie on top of the roller on the floor, positioning it horizontally underneath your upper back. Then, use your feet to move your body so your back goes back and forth over the roller. This massages your spine for a more rejuvenating back stretch.

Swiss Ball

• Swiss balls are sometimes known as a yoga, exercise or stability balls. They are made from PVC and come in sizes such as 55 cm, 65 cm, and 75 cm. Though they're used to do a variety of exercises, you can also use one to enhance muscular stretching, since you'll get a wider range of motion stretching on a ball than you would on the flat surface of the floor. You can lie on your back on a ball and hang your body limp for an excellent back stretch or you can use it for a deep leg stretch. Sit on the floor and place one heel on the ball at a time, folding into the stretch to help stretch your hamstrings.

Yoga Blocks

• Yoga blocks offer extra support when your flexibility is lacking. For instance, when doing Triangle pose in yoga class, a block can be placed under your lower hand to extend your reach. You can also use a block in non-yoga settings. For instance, when seated with your legs out to your sides, you may place a block in front of you and use it for extra support when lowering your chest to the floor for an excellent hip stretch.