Flexibility

[gunner]

"rub it quickly" and change your attitude?

Sports science has come a long way since some of us were kids. I injured myself much more in my 20's than I do now. I'm not as crazy as I was then and I'm much better informed due to the information available.

If you feel a pain in a joint, and I've had a few, you should take some time to evaluate the source of the pain. A martial artist with artificial hips isn't the "karate kid" you were meant to be. You can seriously complicate an injury, like a torn labrum or meniscus. Try rest, rehab, or surgery if needed.

I think people of any age can increase strength and flexibility - and in that order. Get to the gym and lift weights then stretch gently. Don't get in a rush - you'll only injure yourself and slow down your progress.

I'm 52 and nearly as flexible as I was when I was 20. I have lifted weights all my life to increase and maintain strength. I believe that helped maintain my flexibility and joint health.

[Alan Armstrong]

I do some extreme chi kung sometimes. End up having some very nasty looking bruises from it or a pulled or twisted something or other. A month later I'm O.K again.

I'm taking some time out from injuring myself and being more therapeutic at this moment.

Point being, martial arts can be very intense on the body. Injuries will happen from time to time. Accept it!

I have medical issues like most of the older crowd but giving up my youthfulness; never! On this issue I'm not going down without a fight.

Flexibility becomes more and more complicated to deal with the older one gets. I look at this subject as another challenge. Sticky Fecha. Scare Tissue. Muscle Strains. Joint and tendon stiffness... and so on.

For me practicing martial arts, I don't need sports science, never have.

I do however have mother nature and she has far more experience to keep me flexible, all is required is patience and my cooperation to listen.