How many times do you stretch on the days that you don't formally train vs. training days? How long do you stretch at home? Do you vary the kinds of stretches that you do or are you in a set pattern? I am trying to get into a more consistent daily routine and I am looking for your ideas. Thanks.

With stretching getting into a routine is half the battle.

 

The more frequently you stretch the quicker your muscle will 'warm up' (relax). I've got my muscle relaxation time down to a couple of seconds. as I stretch down my muscles contract to stop me going further. I have learnt by concentrating to stop this reaction. This comes with practice and now after a few months of not stretching I can still do the full splits from cold in about 30 seconds. The trick is not to think 'pain' but to relax and think about something else, don't push against it or bounce or use effort just relax and let your body weight pull stretch you.

 

I used to stretch every day and had my own set routine of just static stretches. IMO static stretches are the safest and easiest stretches. This is because you can static stretch on your own and relax in front of the TV. Stretching is all about relaxing!!!!!

 

Coming back to the TV. if you've got a favourite TV program thats on for 30minutes every day. set aside this time to sit, stretch and relax infront of the TV. There you go 30 minutes of easy stretching every day.

 

Look after your knees!

 

Bretty

Edited September 18, 200223 yr by Bretty101

I think you need to stretch 3 days a week realy good. Espcially the hamstrings and hips. You don't need to go much more than 10mins. To maintain flexability not as much.

Thanks Bretty and G95, anyone else care to share?

Ok late but i was surfing the topics and would like to have a say

 

I train other than the 2 days at my Dojo every day

 

so out of 7 days 5 I stretch at home, and 2 i stretch at my Dojo.

 

And thats twice a day. Have been doing this now for 5 weeks and my flexibility is comming alone fine.

Well, this topic just made me realizse how lazy I am becoming hI haven't stretched ina few weeks, U better go doi that now...

Hey I thought you do all that in martial arts class Ashura.

 

You need to do your stretching everyday at home... even before class.

 

You can get to a point in your flexibility training (as I have) where you can just assume the position (v-stretch/toes pointed upward) while watching TV or elbows down in front reading a book ... just don't try it while driving

I know you need to doit at home, I was saying take what you learn in class and stretch at home, yes books are useful but they aren't a necessity.