Extreme Flexibility?

[Beefkake31]

For as long as I can remember (I'm 29 now) I have never been flexible at all. If I stand straight with my legs locked and try to go down, the most I will be able to go is about mid shin. I Started doing yoga for a couple of months now and although it's helped very slightly it's still not even close. I also stretch every day.

Are there some people that just can't be flexible? Any scientific reasoning? Or More importantly if anyone knows of a sure way to become flexible please do share.

At this point I'd die a happy man if I can touch the floor with my finger tips.

[streeter]

If I knew yoga I would never leave the house...just saying

[yungone501]

^^^lol^^^

[terraj]

Read about Dynamic Stretching and Isometric Stretching, these two methods together are very good, I was doing some instructing in combat many years ago, it was these two methods I had new guys fast track their flexiblity with.

You might be able to get theis book online, or maybe find a free download....it's worth the looking.

Stretching Scientifically
A Guide To Flexibility Training

[MBMETC]

stretching and work on your splits, im 40 and can still get all the way down on a split and yes i have nuts...lol

[Tigershark]

stretching and work on your splits, im 40 and can still get all the way down on a split and yes i have nuts...lol

*salutes you*

[yungone501]

Just out of curiosity, aside from fighting, whats the advantage of stretching?

I read that stretching before working out did nothing as far as preventing injuries but seemed to decrease muscle soreness if done immediately after a workout.

[Beefkake31]

Thanks Terraj, I will look into it. And Yungone, it's not stretching per se but what it does for you (being flexible). The more flexible you are the better you will be in everything physically along with coordination, balance, etc. I play basketball so it's a huge thing for me.

[terraj]

Flexible joints has the ability to move through a greater ROM and requires less energy to do so, and decreasing your risk of injury.

[yungone501]

Okay, i can see what the greater ROM could in terms of advantages. However, could you elaborate on prevention of injuries? All i can think of is if your ROM is greater, the less potential there is for tearing tendon....right?

Also, what if while working out, you see no muscular limitations in any exercises, would stretching still he advantageous?

[JJ78]

Elongates the muscles. Better ROM. Prevents injuries. Better recovery time. Feels great. Stretching is very important.

And damn I wish I could do the splits.

[Narkissos]

Elongates the muscles. Better ROM. Prevents injuries. Better recovery time. Feels great. Stretching is very important.

co-signed

[yungone501]

Pardon the ignorance but how exactly does it speed recovery?

[dips]

stretching will help u put on sunblock better. i got a spot in the middle of my back that always seems to get fried, no matter which angle i try to reach it from.

[terraj]

Pardon the ignorance but how exactly does it speed recovery?

"Stretching increases tissue temperature, which in turn increases circulation and nutrient transport. This allows greater elasticity of surrounding tissues and increases performance. Stretching also increases joint synovial fluid, which is a lubricating fluid that promotes the transport of more nutrients to the joints' atricular cartilage. This allows a greater range of motion and reduces joint degeneration."

that^

[MuscleScience]

Stretching is important but not as much as most would believe. You will never be able to trump genetics. You will be able to get some improvement, however if you don't have the right conditions to be super flexible, you will never be super flexible.

[JJ78]

Stretching is important but not as much as most would believe. You will never be able to trump genetics. You will be able to get some improvement, however if you don't have the right conditions to be super flexible, you will never be super flexible.

I agree, but when my legs get extremely sore the second after heavy lifting. Not if I do a good 10 mins stretching the night of working them out they do not really get that sore.

If you do not stretch, try it out every night for 10 mins for 2 weeks, I guarantee that you will fell a lot better and you will be more flexible. I am not naturally flexable, but when I remember to stretch I can touch my forehead to my knees and put my hand flat on the floor.
6'2" 230
32yrs old