Flexibility

NCchar130

What have you done to increase your flexibility, particularly in the legs?

I've tried yoga, it hurts my back. Maybe I'm doing it wrong. And I stretch but maybe not enough or not correctly.

Any tips, websites, videos recommended?

kaypat09

Just keep stretching. Hold the stretches for longer, stretch deeper. And do it EVERY time you work out, specifically after, when your muscles are warmed up.

Weebs628

I have found that I'm most flexible when my muscles are warm, so I like to stretch thoroughly after I workout.

VeganZombie13

yoga

Erienneb

I was naturally very flexible my whole life and was devastated when I lost a lot of it. I've regained much of it through simple stretching after every workout.

Stretch till you can feel it but it's not painful, then hold 15-20 seconds. Every day try to go a little deeper. It will do wonders.

Iron_Maiden

Just keep stretching. Hold the stretches for longer, stretch deeper. And do it EVERY time you work out, specifically after, when your muscles are warmed up.

YEP!!! I stretch after each workout and have become more flexible over time as a result.

Tw1zzler

I always stretch after a workout when my muscles are warm. First I roll out on a foam roller then I stretch for about 10-15 minutes. You have to be a little uncomfortable but not in pain and hold the stretch. To increase flexibility you need to hold for at least 30 seconds.

bgelliott

You can also do basic stretching while watching TV. I sit on the ground and spread my legs in a V and sit like that for up to 20 minutes. Or sit with your legs together and lean forward and hold your toes. The more often you do it, the more flexible you become. :-)

turkeyhunter60

stretch-longer

writemusic4him

I have really tight muscles...probably from years of not exercising and sitting at a desk. I had trouble stretching enough on my own and I would be in so much pain after exercising, that I had to see my chiropractor all the time to work out the kinks.

However, I found a trick on google that I now can do my own stretches on my own effectively and I am more flexible now that when I was 100 pounds lighter in college.

I use a hand towel to assist me in being able to stretch further than I would be able to just reach down to my toes. It is similar to the idea of the assisted stretch.

I explain it and have outside links on my personal MFP blog:

http://www.myfitnesspal.com/blog/writemusic4him/view/amazing-stretching-tip-447698

dorianaldyn

Yoga shouldn't hurt your back. I'd suggest having someone look at your form because a consistent yoga practice will do wonders for your flexibility.

ekkand

Gymnastics.. I gained all my flexibility through being a gymnast.
haha

NCchar130

Gymnastics.. I gained all my flexibility through being a gymnast.
haha

Hah, I envy you! I was obsessed with gymnastics when I was kid but never got involved with it.

Thanks for all the replies, I will keep working on stretching. And maybe I'll try yoga again

ShaniWulffe

Take it s l o w ! Make sure you hold the stretches for at least 30 seconds, but holding it for more than 3 minutes gives you no added benefits. Basically, you should hold until you feel the muscle "release"... No matter how bored you may get! (that's always my problem :P ) I've also noticed incredible success with stretching everything in the morning first thing and then right before I go to bed.

But then again I'm also a dancer :P

jimmmer

Make sure your muscles are warm, and when your at the extent of your stretch, breathe in deeply. This will naturally, as function of body mechanics back you off a touch, exhale and you can relax more deeply into the stretch as the breath flows out of you. Repeat a couple of times for each stretch. You'll rapidly gain flexibility by going further than you thought possible by relaxing your muscles into the stretch more and also the breathing gives you mental control over the slightly "uncomfortable" feeling you get at the extent of the stretch too as an added bonus.

JustANumber85

I tried Pilates today and i have to say i LOVE it!