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What Do You Do To Stay/Become More Flexible?

PurringMyrrh
PurringMyrrh Posts: 5,276 Member
in Social Groups
Regular stretching? Yoga? Pilates? Pilates is the only one that I've done long enough to see real improvement (a couple years ago I did it once a week for about 8 months and I really saw great developments in flexibility) but I'm looking into anything now really as I've lost all those gains. I can't even touch my cankles with straight legs, let alone the floor...and we wont even discuss my hip flexors and ham-like hammies.

I know it's better to have some flex to ward off injury, help with workouts, and just improve daily everything and comfort in general. Just trying to get some insight as to the whats, whens, and how longs that have worked for you.

Replies

  • katro111
    katro111 Posts: 632 Member
    I've tried Yoga and Pilates and both made me more stressed out and frustrated than before I started them (in an effort to relax of all things lol). I have little patience for them and that's ok. :smile:

    Regular stretching, foam rolling, and getting a massage at least every 3 months helps me with flexibility and stiff muscles.
  • SezxyStef
    SezxyStef Posts: 15,267 Member
    I have taken to using my rolling pin until I get my foam roller...works...

    I do stetch at least 2x a day (rehab on an injury) and was thinking about a massage...just cause it feels good tho.
  • Fittreelol
    Fittreelol Posts: 2,535 Member
    I do mobility drills- simple 6, limber 11/agile 8.

    I foam roll in addition to the foam rolling in the drills above.

    I get massages on occasion, although my therapist moved far away and I'm sad and knotty now.

    I try to take yoga at least 3x month.
  • randomtai
    randomtai Posts: 9,003 Member
    Sex
  • suremeansyes
    suremeansyes Posts: 962 Member
    Sex

    LOL, I said the same thing in another thread. I find it really helps to open up my hips. Hahahaha.
  • krokador
    krokador Posts: 1,794 Member
    Most of my mobility work nowadays is done right before my workout - there's a routine I go through that also serves as my warm-up. And I'll foam/ball roll whenever I get really tight.

    While I recon it's not enough for me to improve, I don't have many flexibility challenges aside from the groin area (maybe I need to have more sex? lol), so I've allowed myself to get complacent. Gonna try to do some more yoga though. I like the way I feel refreshed afterwards!
  • suremeansyes
    suremeansyes Posts: 962 Member
    I just started foam rolling at the gym right before I lift and I find I really enjoy it.
  • Leadfoot_Lewis
    Leadfoot_Lewis Posts: 1,623 Member
    Regular stretching, foam rolling, and getting a massage at least every 3 months helps me with flexibility and stiff muscles.

    ^Agree with all this. Really all you need is a Lacrosse Ball or something of similar size/stiffness. I have the Trigger Point roller and ball and I find 90% of the time I use the ball as I can isolate an area much better with it.

    Also, if you're into reading check out Kelly Starrett's book Becoming a Supple Leopard. It is an EXCELLENT resource for mobility work as well as form on a lot of lifts.
  • LadyDeadlift
    LadyDeadlift Posts: 136 Member
    I am not a flexible person, at all. Having done SL for 8 months now though - I am MUCH more flexible than I've ever been.

    I attribute it to dynamic stretching and rolling before workouts and always taking the time to stretch post-workout. I think it's the post workout stretching that has had the most benefit for me.

    Seriously - reaching down and touching my toes makes me as happy as a new lifting PR!
  • aylajane
    aylajane Posts: 979 Member
    I just started foam rolling at the gym right before I lift and I find I really enjoy it.

    "Enjoy" it?! Lol I think you are doing it wrong! :) Haha... I joke with my trainer that I always know I got the right spot with the roller when I utter "F***" as a grunt - yep, that is the spot. I have a love/hate thing going with the roller... hurts like hell, but feels so good AFTER...

    My trainer started me on "squatters" stretch for ankle and hip flexibility to help with my deadlifts and all. I do it 2-3 times during a workout (holding for a minute or two), and its made a huge difference in my squats.
  • suremeansyes
    suremeansyes Posts: 962 Member
    I just started foam rolling at the gym right before I lift and I find I really enjoy it.

    "Enjoy" it?! Lol I think you are doing it wrong! :) Haha... I joke with my trainer that I always know I got the right spot with the roller when I utter "F***" as a grunt - yep, that is the spot. I have a love/hate thing going with the roller... hurts like hell, but feels so good AFTER...

    My trainer started me on "squatters" stretch for ankle and hip flexibility to help with my deadlifts and all. I do it 2-3 times during a workout (holding for a minute or two), and its made a huge difference in my squats.

    Haha. I enjoy when it's over. ;) I also tend to curse when foam rolling, it's like you're torturing yourself. I'm not THAT into bdsm.

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