Dynamic stretching

[Rich_2k3]

I recently discovered the existance of dynamic stretching, and i've found that it is crucial for any martial artist, especially for their training, because it reaches your full range of movement and gives you the ability of still kicking high without a warmup. It is also the fastest way towards doing the splits.

 

If you dont know what dynamic stretching is, here is an extract from an article I found:

 

"Have you ever swung your arms round in circles just before you start a weights session? This is dynamic stretching. It gradually increases reach and range of motion while limbs are moving.

 

Kicking an imaginary football is a dynamic stretch for the hamstrings and groins. Twisting side to side is dynamic stretching for the trunk. Don't confuse dynamic stretching with ballistic stretching...

 

Ballistic stretching consists of bouncing, jerky movements and can be quite dangerous because it forces a limb beyond its normal range of movement.

 

Dynamic stretching is useful before starting an aerobic workout and particularly for martial artists. Thomas Kurtz also recommends dynamic stretching as a great way to loosen up first thing in the morning.

 

Perform dynamic stretches in sets of 8-12 repetitions. Perform as many sets as is required to gain your full range of motion. Stop stretching when you are tired. Fatigued muscles produce diminished returns during dynamic stretching exercises."

 

Anyway back to the point, does anyone know any good dynamic strength exercises or any good websites?

[Sorynn]

Rich,

 

Here is Mr. Kurz's website: http://www.stadion.com/column.html

 

I believe that Thomas Kurz says that isomertric stretching is the best way to reach the splits, and he recommends dynamic stretching daily to increase your range of motion and decrease the chances of injury.

 

Respectfully,

 

Sorynn

[renketsu]

I bought Kurz's book about a year or so back and introduced the dynamic stretching into the warm up for my own classes and have had no injuries (we've been using it for over 12 months now) from over stretching or not stretching enough

 

Previously I had been using static stretching to try and make myself more supple before starting the classes and then when kicking had hurt my hamstrings several times... which when healing makes the muscle shorter and hence I had to stretch harder the next time to get my flexibility back which then caused the same problem again!

 

I have not gone for the isometric stretching fully yet... not enough time... but I will be - what I have done has made a difference and worked quickly too

 

I would fully recommend buying / reading / following his book.

 

Andy.