Stretching tips

[A_Christian]

Hey I've done martial arts for a long time yet I always slacked on stretching. I've gotten a lot better recently but I'm wondering if there's any type of stretching that can be advised that I'm not doing.

Well here's basically what I do daily:

Stretching to my toes while standing, back straight

Side splits(standing not the sitting on ground stuff)

Forward splits(standing, of course)

Then what I do is I take the stuff off my fridge and basically stretch my legs each sideways left and right, as well as straight against my fridge.

I've always slacked on stretching as a kid, but I'm getting more into it because it's slowing me down a lot not being able to do complete splits. Any advice on stretching to increase my flexibility asap would be appreciated.

-David

[A_Christian]

I guess nobody has a response? Just a reminder when I say standing and not on the ground I mean I don't do the stretching exercises that start on the ground, I start standing and then do them :/

Oh well, guess I'll keep at what I'm doing, I'll get there eventually but I was just curious in case anybody knew a stretching exercise they could link me to or what not since I am no longer within a dojo and haven't been in a few years. Thanks for at least viewing my post :/

[ninjanurse]

Have you tried sitting stretches or some yoga stretches for the lower back and hips? I tell my students to stretch daily after a warm up or hot bath/shower and to concentrate on hamstrings as these are key to kicking.

[A_Christian]

Have you tried sitting stretches or some yoga stretches for the lower back and hips? I tell my students to stretch daily after a warm up or hot bath/shower and to concentrate on hamstrings as these are key to kicking.

Oh no I have not . Is it possible for you to send me a youtube link or something that can show me how it is done? I would be very grateful .

As for the hot shower thing I NEVER thought of that. Taking a shower to heat up the body and then do stretches to make the limbs more bendable and able to stretch better? Genius idea thanks.

[bushido_man96]

You can do a search of dynamic stretching, which seems to be the preferred way of warming up these days. A dynamic stretching session prior to the work session, and then a good static stretching session at the end will serve you well.

[A_Christian]

You can do a search of dynamic stretching, which seems to be the preferred way of warming up these days. A dynamic stretching session prior to the work session, and then a good static stretching session at the end will serve you well.

Alright thanks, I appreciate the help .

[sensei8]

Ease into said stretch carefully and slowly as to not damage yourself! Take your time and please don't rush into a chinese split cold.

Good luck and take care.

[Evil Dave]

General rules of stretching, you can do a Google search for details:

- never stretch cold muscles, always do a 10-15min warm-up first

- dynamic stretching is used before physical activity like a MA class, lifting, etc; as static stretching is known to reduce physical performance right after it is performed

- static stretching can be done daily, a good complete body stretch routine is great {this can be done in 10-15mins}and you can also do extra work on what you need

- a nice way to start the day is with a round of sun salutation

[sensei8]

General rules of stretching, you can do a Google search for details:

- never stretch cold muscles, always do a 10-15min warm-up first

- dynamic stretching is used before physical activity like a MA class, lifting, etc; as static stretching is known to reduce physical performance right after it is performed

- static stretching can be done daily, a good complete body stretch routine is great {this can be done in 10-15mins}and you can also do extra work on what you need

- a nice way to start the day is with a round of sun salutation

Solid post!!

[Hawkmoon]

General rules of stretching, you can do a Google search for details:

- never stretch cold muscles, always do a 10-15min warm-up first

- dynamic stretching is used before physical activity like a MA class, lifting, etc; as static stretching is known to reduce physical performance right after it is performed

- static stretching can be done daily, a good complete body stretch routine is great {this can be done in 10-15mins}and you can also do extra work on what you need

- a nice way to start the day is with a round of sun salutation

What he said without any doubt in my mind at all!

I'll add, if that is OK with everyone, to stretch after you climb out of a bath!

'you' your muscles are warn very relaxed, making the stretch easier and you that much more supple!

Also, when you stretch...breath!

seriously just breath!

reach to your leg, as you do breath in, then as you reach your 'limit, breath out....relax.....you just added a half an inch to the stretch!

p.s.

Don't stretch 'till it hurts...its hurting for a reason so stop!

build up to that level, a damaged ligament takes an age to heal and hurts for the duration!

Let it heal keep all work to a lower (much lower if need be) level until it heals.