Stretching

[Harkon72]

I'm not naturally flexible either, flexibility has its advantages, but being too supple can be bad for you, I know of one Yoga instructor with serious back problems because her ligaments were too loose and that she sacrificed strength for flexibility.

[Zaine]

I warm up more than static stretching. Usually a 5 minute walk is better than static stretching. Although dynamic stretching is a fantastic way to warm up and, at least for me, it's more effective.

[Evil Dave]

It has been proven time and again in various sports that using static stretching as part of a warm-up actually negatively effects performance. Using dynamic stretching as part of the warm-up, especially sport specific movements can aid in performance. Save the static stretching for the end or cool-down portion of your training.

[Zaine]

It has been proven time and again in various sports that using static stretching as part of a warm-up actually negatively effects performance. Using dynamic stretching as part of the warm-up, especially sport specific movements can aid in performance. Save the static stretching for the end or cool-down portion of your training.

Very true, more and more studies are starting to suggest at athletes throw away static stretching all together.

[Evil Dave]

I don't believe in completely removing static stretching. Though there is a proper time and place for static stretching. As you move into more elite athletes more and more sport specific stretching goes with specific training.

[yamesu]

Daily, at least once. Even more on actual Kyokushin training days (usually before and after training).

[Harkon72]

I used to do a box stretch about twelve years ago, now I feel a horse stance dynamic program for hips and groin can be more productive at my age.