There are many different methods out there to increase flexibility.  As a dancer I have been stretching all my life and I have been exposed to all the different ways to get more flexible.

Unfortunately I was never naturally flexible like a lot of dancers and gymnasts out there… some people are genetically more flexible than others, but in my quest to be a great dancer I discovered some of the secrets that helped me reached my goal.

Now, you might be thinking, well I am no athlete or dancer or gymnast, why would I be concerned with maintaining my flexibility?  The answer is very simple – for all round better quality of life, youthfulness and energy!

Streth to stay healthy and pain free

In the Hot Burning Body Workout Series I make use mostly of active stretching techniques because that improves the balance between strength and flexibility.  I have also included some static stretches that you can easily do  reading or watching television or even during those pesky commercial breaks.

But no matter which technique you choose there are two very important and simple guidelines you need to follow when you stretch to get the most benefit.

1) Breathe

2) Relax

For many years I couldn’t understand why I was having such a hard time to improve my flexibility while everyone else in class seemed like Gumby.

Then I discovered the secret; I was not relaxing while I was stretching – I was simply trying too hard.

In order for the muscles to be able to lengthen they have to relax, because when a muscle is tense, it is in a shortened state.  So stretching without breathing and relaxing is completely counter productive.

Try this:

Pick a stretch.  It might be a hamstring or groin stretch or even a shoulder or chest stretch – but get into the position of the stretch.   Start at a very comfortable range, then take a really deep breath.

Now, as you exhale – imagine that muscle melting – feel it going completely limp as you take it deeper into the stretch.  Now breathe very relaxed for about ten seconds and then release the stretch to a comfortable range.  Repeat 5 times.

If you are doing it correctly you will notice that every time you repeat the exercise you will be able to increase your range considerably.

Breath and relaxation is the key!

Happy stretching!

Kind regards

Vanessa Bader

P.S.  In the Hot Burning Body Workout I put as much emphasis on flexibility as I do on strength, because when you find the perfect balance between the two is when you are the least likely to ever injure yourself and you can move freely and easily.

You always hear fitness professionals – including me – say how important it is to stretch. Flexibility should be an integral focus of your workout… why?

As we age, we automatically become stiffer and tighter.  The connective tissue in our muscles atrophy and our bodies lose mobility.

Additionally, if you work out a lot but you spend all your time strengthening your muscles but you never lengthen them, then you are seriously hindering your chances of optimal strength and power as well as disturbing the balance between strength and flexibility.

It is when your muscles lose their flexibility that you have a much greater chance of injuring yourself and also of looking older and less mobile because you can not move your body to its fullest range of motion anymore. It is the loss of mobility that makes us appear older and causes more muscle stiffness and soreness.

But who wants to spend hours in static stretches?

Let me tell you something – static stretching is fine, but it is not the best way to get flexible and mobile.

Why do you think dancers and gymnasts are so flexible?  Yes, they do definitely do some static stretching but most of their flexibility and mobility comes from actually moving their bodies through maximum range of motion.

In other words, their bodies are being exposed to active and ballistic stretching every day, and that is what keeps them in top shape. Because not only does continuous movement through optimal range of motion promote flexibility and mobility but it also improves strength in those extended positions.

That is what the Hot Burning Body Workout is all about. I have created these workouts with the mentality of a dancer and gymnast but incorporating all your favorite body weight exercises. This way you get to improve your flexibility and mobility while you are strengthening and toning your body.

Additionally, Garin and I are working on creating an amazing active and ballistic stretching program that is going to give you speedy and effective results, combining the principals of Hot Burning Body’s latest workout techniques with the revolutionary principals of Coreforce Energy This is going to be amazing, and the most fun and exciting way to improve flexibility FAST!

So keep your ears to the ground – I’ll make sure to keep you posted.  But in the meantime – check out the Hot Burning Body workouts that I have available for you for fast fat loss and for improving your flexibility! Real functional strength is what you need to keep your body looking fit, young, vibrant and healthy!

To your health and flexibility

Your coach Vanessa Bader

P.S. My Hot Burning Body “Extreme” Kettlebell workout is now in final stages.  Will make sure you are the first to know when it is ready.

The big mission to most people these days is to lose weight. True, most of us do have some extra pounds to shed, and it is no easy task. I am sure you might agree that putting on those pounds is much easier than losing them… much more fun… or so you think.

To lose that stubborn fat that “crept up on you from nowhere” you have to deprive yourself of all the things you love… fatty food, too much sugar, salt and then of course you have to forfeit your precious time on the couch…

See, this is the wrong mentality. Yes, I said it – Mentality!

Fitness and weight loss is a mentality! It is a way of living, not a plan you follow for 3 or 4 weeks. And you will be surprised how much more you will enjoy your life, and your treats once you have become accustomed to this “lifestyle”.

Believe me – I have a massive sweet tooth, but I use to eat sweets around every corner without even thinking about it… eventually they were not that much fun anymore, just another thing I am sticking in my mouth.

Now I get to savor my ice cream and love every bite, and those BBQ pork ribs that I love so much… yum, I get to really enjoy those when I eat them.

But that is not my point – my point is, that your “mentality” should not be “what do I lose”. It should be all about what you are gaining.

By cultivating healthy eating habits and by getting your body into great shape with exercise – you should look at everything you are gaining in the process…

You gain Endurance, Stamina, Energy, Strength, Flexibility and Confidence… and all this while losing weight… in other words, you are gaining all this while also getting that Hot Burning body you have always wanted! http://www.hotburningbody.com

With my Hot Burning body workout I have created a system that will give you all that I mention above and all that while you are having fun!

So don’t concentrate on what you might be losing, but rather think about everything you Gain!

To your Health and Success

Vanessa Bader

P.S. That Beginners Kettlebell Workshop is now ready! It should be up and available on the website by the end of this week, Thank you for your patience, but I promise you it was well worth the wait!