stretching

[susanmiller696]

Walk and exercise have better impact than stretching machines. Have hot bath regularly.

[Zaine]

Instead of doing static stretching (like what you do or what you would with those machines), do ballistic warm ups. Not only are they better for you in the long run, it gets your body warm and you'll be more prepared for your kicks.

[moriniuk]

Ballistic stretching is pretty much universally considered to be a dangerous form of stretching nowadays.

Maybe you meant dynamic stretching.

I'm not buying into the hot bath idea and I wouldn't waste my money on a machine. It would probably make another good place to hang your clothes in a couple of months though.

[Zaine]

No I meant ballistic. It's not dangerous if you're smart about it. I'm not a fan of the jerking motion stretches, but there are some strong stretches in there that are safe. Dynamic stretches also work very well, especially for flexibility.

[Kuma]

No I meant ballistic. It's not dangerous if you're smart about it.

Actually, it still is. I've seen more serious injuries from ballistic stretching exercises in MA classes than I have from full contact sparring.

[JusticeZero]

Right. Even if it might have value, it is too risky - and the best sport science I know of indicates that it is NOT particularly valuable.

[whitegi]

Have you tried the really simple stretch where you put your leg up straight on a desk or table and lean forwards to grab your toes? That's really good for stretching the hamstrings and calves and it doesn't cost anything.

[Evil Dave]

TIME! Simply put, you've lost your flexibility. You can get it back, but it just takes time. One of those things that can not be rushed.

Instead of a stretching machine, take a look at other assisted stretches. I use exercise bands for my hamstrings, hips and ankles. For my IT band, hip abductors, quads, back and more I use a foam roller. Both are fairly inexpensive, should be under $60 for both items and you can use them for other exercises as well. Do a quick Google search and you will find examples of different stretches.

[xo-karate]

Just a comment on stretching. There is a lot of different kinds of stretching and PNF might be the most effective http://www.youtube.com/topic/9gEuZqlXDe4/pnf-stretching

Might - but I think the most effective is to one you stick to. (Best would be to do all the different kinds of stretching at right time and right reason.)

I have not been doing stretching enough - should get back to doing it:-)

[shinka]

careful with the stretching machine... the big one with the seat etc...

LOTS and LOTS of knees injuries

People don't stretch good and go to far most of the time.

Just be careful