serious flexibility issues

[hawkfish]

I agree with the others, start karate then worry about your flexibility if you have to.

I have read a lot of good info on the site below and also from his book and video.

http://www.stadion.com/

Also, like Sohan said, I have found that daily stretching makes a huge difference.

[eat_my_fudge]

so i'm planning to start karate soon and feel confident with my strength and endurance but my flexibility is AWFUL. i don't think i've ever been able to touch my toes with my legs straight at any point in my 17 year life. my arm and shoulder flexibility is fine, but my hamstrings and such are horrible. i was wondering if there is like a 20-30 min workout regiment that is geared solely towards drastically increasing my flexibility. thanks.

What I do is put my foot on a table, keep it straight, and bend down slowly (do this with one leg then the other).

[cathal]

I've worked on this by putting my feet up against the wall, and reading forward to touch the wall. I typically did that when I felt sick or dizzy. Much better than worrying about falling.