Be Flexible

Be Flexible

Have you wondered how you can be more flexible? To be flexible does not mean you have to be a gymnast or to be acrobatic by nature, but it means to simply be able to move more freely without pain in your muscles and joints. Regular exercise and nutrients such as vitamins and minerals may help improve a person’s flexibility. When someone says that they are not flexible, they may not be exercising regularly and providing their body with certain vitamins and minerals, which can help make them become more flexible.

Walking is considered one of the best forms of exercise to stretch out your muscles. It works your whole body and strengthens your joints, plus it improves your blood circulation and gives you a heightened sense of well-being. Finding a physical activity you enjoy really makes a difference so you can be consistent with it. It could even be running, dancing, swimming, aerobics, kickboxing or weightlifting as other options.

There are certain nutrients, which can also help improve flexibility of the joints and muscles.

Vitamins

Vitamin C promotes growth and tissue repair and is crucial to supplement with after intense physical exercise. Vitamin C acts as an antioxidant as well so it combats the additional free radicals that build up from exercise and may help fight muscle fatigue. Our VIVA Vitamin C products known as C-Complex™ or C-Chewable™ provide a sufficient amount of vitamin C and can be taken daily.

All of the B vitamins (vitamins B1, B2, B3, B5, Folic Acid, B6 and B12) are essential for proper functioning of the nervous system, releasing energy from foods we eat, and for muscle coordination. A deficiency in any of these nutrients could display symptoms such as fatigue, weakness, muscle cramping, headaches, dizziness, and depression. VIVA offers two different types of B vitamin supplements. They are B-Easy™ or B-Energized™. B-Easy ™ contains a complex of B-vitamins, which combat physical or emotional stress and help provide a calming effect to the body. B-Energized™ contains the complete spectrum of B vitamins and various forms of ginseng to give the body a boost of energy all day long.

Minerals

Calcium-is necessary for muscle contraction, blood clotting and for bones and teeth. VIVA’s Cal-Mag & D Plus™ contains a combination of 4 forms of easily assimilated calcium, along with magnesium, vitamin D and zinc in a unique base of whole food concentrates. Calcium, Magnesium, Vitamin D and Zinc are the main nutrients necessary for the bone to maintain its healthy, regenerating activity. Replenishing the supply of this mineral is critical for good bone health. Calcium helps to contract the muscles and magnesium relaxes the muscles so they work hand in hand and may be helpful for flexibility of the muscles and joints. Vitamin D is important for absorption of calcium and phosphorus for bone formation.

Here are some additional VIVA products to help nourish your body’s flexibility:

FlexiGuard™ -contains a combination of glucosamine sulfate, MSM, chondroitin sulfate, and collagen to help maintain healthy joint function and support tissue repair. If your muscles feel really sore or tense after exercise, you may want to try taking this product to help nourish the muscles and joints.

VIVA Guard® -is a nutritious blend from a vegetable garden consisting of wheat sprouts, alfalfa, fruits and vegetables to support healthy bone, joint and muscle function. It also contains papaya fruit, which provides natural anti-inflammatory properties for the muscles and joints.

VIVA Omega-3™ -is a combination of fish oil and vitamin E. Omega 3 fatty acids derived from fish oil have been shown to provide anti-inflammatory properties so this can be beneficial to take everyday for the muscles and joints. It also provides nutritional support for the heart and arteries.

Why not make a difference and improve the quality of your life by exercising daily and supplementing your body with nutrients that can help improve your flexibility and stamina.

References:

Burke, ER and Berning, JR. Training Nutrition-The Diet and Nutrition Guide for Peak Performance. 1996.

Boyle, M. Personal Nutrition. 2001.