Must-have’s to Start Your Flexibility Training

Article By:

Christiane Schwarz, MSc; Criminologist

|Updated: February 24, 2023

Cover Image for Must-have’s to Start Your Flexibility Training

Have you caught yourself dreaming of owning a flexible and super bendy body- similar to this gorgeous lady in the picture? Yes, I definitely did and still do. While I have not yet accomplished my flexibility goals, today I know exactly what my body needs all this time.

Here, I'll share with you my secret. I do not discuss vital breathing practices, mental durability or physical endurance that is needed in any athletic realization. Instead, I hope to reach those who believe they have all of the above, who have previously joined Yoga, Pilates, various dance or gym classes but did not see the desired result.

For many of us, the COVID-19 pandemic brought our office space into our homes. While an intensified home office régime increased time and travel savings, worker’s feel more stressed and find themselves working more hours. As you might be aware: Prolonged sitting can lead to chronic health problems and stiff muscles.

Fortunately, countless yoga, dance and gym instructors began to offer free work-out classes via personal social media platforms. Before 2020 I was no supporter of online workout classes. Yet, I find myself advising you to join the online-workout world! Besides a strong willpower and durability, you should strongly consider the following must-have’s before starting your individual flexibility journey.

#1 must-have: Online Personal Flexibility Trainer

I cannot understate the importance of a well-educated and experienced flexibility trainer. You may think you already know most exercises, but you may not know or notice how you could improve your posture. Your personal trainer will have the time to focus on your individual need’s and give you daily exercises to adhere to.

Since COVID-19, many dance and flexibility trainers provide group, semi-private and private lessons via Zoom and social media pages (e.g., Instagram). You can start following some of your favorite dancers and instructors across the world- you may be lucky!

If you start following flexibility trainers on @Instagram, you may see free IGTV series of as-long-as 60-min. You can try these classes for free, or join a group zoom class before spending cash on personal training right away. Nonetheless, if you are taking your flexibility training seriously, you should expect and be willing to invest some money in this long-term goal. Do your research and find a trainer that fit’s best to your personality and desired physical goal.

If you are not sure where to start, I listed some well-experienced trainers from NYC:

Donna Carnow: IG @Donnakong

Wade Bryant: IG @Wadebryant_

Samantha Star: www.samanthastar.com, IG @litiumkitten

Brenna Bradbury: IG @brennabradbury

If you have a financial constraint, I advise you to ask whether semi-private classes (max. 2 people) are offered. You should also ask your instructor whether she/he can record the session and send you the recording afterwards. The recording can help your daily practice and capture your progress. Having a partner to join your beginner flexibility journey can also be an advantage: You have a daily motivator.

#2 must-have: The Supreme Trooper Mat

Manduka PRO Yoga and Pilates Mat

★★★★½4.7 stars, 6,772 reviews

$120

This mat is the best of all. I have tried numerous exercise mats, but this one provides by far the highest quality and highest performance grip. I do not like slippery, too thin or too thick yoga mats- overall, I am a very picky person when it comes to exercise equipment. I have used this mat for over three years, traveled with across continents, used it outdoors and indoors.

My mat has no scratches and still looks like new. While there are certainly cheaper yoga mats available, I can assure you that you pay for what you get. If you are unconcerned about its durability, a cheaper option might be better suited. But if you are seeking a Yoga Mat that you can use for many years, then you should opt for Manduka PRO. You will not look back and regret your choice.

Shop Manduka PRO Yoga and Pilates Mat

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#3 must-have: Fundamental Remedy Blocks

Vulcano Cork Yoga Block

★★★★½4.8 stars, 502 reviews

$26

Your fingers just cannot reach the floor when folding forward? You tend to round your back during forward folds? Then you will certainly benefit from these amazing Cork Yoga Blocks. Early on in my flexibility training, I had difficulties sitting in a straddle (middle split position). It was only within this past year that I learned about the importance and benefits of using Yoga Block.

Cork Yoga Blocks are great because they are (1) eco-friendly (2) tilt-resistant and (3) moisture proof. From personal experience, I can share with you that smelly yoga blocks will become your least pleasant objects to touch and rely on while holding your poses. Trust me, it is worth investing in odor-resistant cork yoga block!

Particularly if you are beginning your flexibility journey, do not stop using Yoga blocks until your pose feels overly unchallenging! Your Yoga Blocks will become your fundamental remedy for your foreseen flexibility.

Shop Vulcano Cork Yoga Block

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#4 must-have: Flexibility Strap

Luxury Yoga Strap

★★★★½4.8 stars, 1,966 reviews

$10

Your fourth must-have equipment for your flexibility training is your strap. Straps are fantastic for shoulder and chest opening exercises. Also, this strap will help you to hold your position longer during twists, hamstring stretching and balancing exercises.

This particular strap is slip resistant, soft and extra-long (6.7 ft.). While I am short myself, I prefer long straps to create a loop at the end, while not having to open it when I wish not to use it. View and use your strap as an arm-lengthener when deeper stretches become challenging.

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#5 must-have: Travel Trooper Mat

Manduka PRO Lite Yoga Mat

★★★★½4.6 stars, 563 reviews

$74

This Manduka pro lite yoga mat is- as the name suggests- suited for travelers. Starting a flexibility journey is hard but getting back to it is even harder. And so, I advise you against taking a break while on vacation, and instead bring your travel trooper mat with you- wherever and whenever you go.

It can get very exhausting carrying cork yoga Blocks and your Manduka Pro Yoga mat everywhere you go. Also, having to look or care for a regular sized yoga mat can get tedious. Believe it or not, expensive yoga mats get regularly stolen! For these reasons, I suggest that travelers bring their 1.5 mm thick travel mat with them. This Manduka lightweight mat is affordable, easy to carry and provides sufficient grip.

Shop Manduka PRO Lite Yoga Mat

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Final Thoughts

This article provides 5 must-have’s for flexibility training beginners. The most crucial step is to find a suitable personal trainer who will keep you motivated, challenge you and correct your poses. Besides a high-quality Manduka Yoga Mat, you will greatly benefit from yoga blocks and a yoga strap. Please remember, blocks and straps are not used solely by beginners but also by highly trained flexibility instructors. If you are a frequent traveler, I included the best traveling mat on the market.

If you need a present for yourself or someone checkout 25 gifts the promote wellbeing for any gender. If you're looking to stay healthy at home consider checking out our home gym setup guide. When you're on a health kick always consider the benefits of smoothies. If you want an idea of your health on the inside consider getting a pulse oximeter

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