Stretching & Flexibility

Newaglish

Hi,

I tried to use the search option but alas I couldn't turn anything up, but apologies if this has been discussed before.

I'm relatively fit (well, not compared to some of the boardsies in fitness!), do a lot of running and am aiming to get back into the gym soon to do weights etc.

Now, I rarely, if ever, stretch and have never seen the need to. Now, I know many people tend to get cramps, pull muscles, etc. if they don't stretch before and after exercise. Me? I don't.

I was wondering, what effect is this going to have on me overall? Am I missing out on some possible benefits to regular stretching?

One thing i've noticed is that i'm really, really inflexbile. I can barely touch my toes. If I stand up straight, and lift leg straight out in front of me, I can barely get it to a 45 degree angle before I can't go any further.

In order to increase my flexibility (regardless of whether it's really necessary or not), i'd really like to start learning Yoga. Does anyone know where would be a good place to do this in Dublin? What other benefits does Yoga have, other than de-stressing/flexibility?

Eh, there's probably alot of information in that but i'd be grateful for any responses!

Seraphina

www.yogadublin.com

zappb

Flexibility is the most undervalued of all the components of fitness.

it reduces the risk of injury, good flexibility improves athletic & technical performance, the reason being the muscles can apply force over a greater range of motion, which in turn increases speed & power, in sport you have a better reach etc...

flexibility training should be given high priority and yoga is the best way to go.

try yogarani.net

BobbyOLeary

Just on the issue of flexibility, has anyone here read "stretching scientifically" by Thomas Kurz? It seems to promise very good results but I wanted to see if anyone had any experiences with it before I bought it.

-bob

abetarrush

BobbyOLeary wrote:

Just on the issue of flexibility, has anyone here read "stretching scientifically" by Thomas Kurz? It seems to promise very good results but I wanted to see if anyone had any experiences with it before I bought it.

-bob

Just strecth. its not rocket science

most gyms have posters in their stretchin area with all the ones ye'll need

to the OP

If you've been goin the gym and never need t stretch, somethin aint right

Are your legs in particular not really sore the next few days????

daveirl

This post has been deleted.

t-ha

BobbyOLeary wrote:

Just on the issue of flexibility, has anyone here read "stretching scientifically" by Thomas Kurz? It seems to promise very good results but I wanted to see if anyone had any experiences with it before I bought it.

-bob

Good book, haven't read it in a while but I remember it being well worth the read. If you can't get flexible enough to drop into the splits in two months then you probably stand to gain something from it.

t-ha

abetarrush wrote:

Just strecth. its not rocket science

You'ld be surprised how simple the thoery behind rocket science is, and how complex the theory behind stretching is.

Leon11

dynamic stretching is favoured by sports teams for sure as a warm up, when warming down we'd usually do lower dynamic and upper static.

Doesn't really apply if your in a gym though I'd do static stretching after a workout as I can feel the muscles loosen up again and it helps somewhat to get rid of the enivatable soreness that follows the day after.

When I do a lower body workout I finish off with a 2k or 5min (whichever first) cycle or x trainer and then stretch for 10 mins. My flexibility has improved somewhat in the hips and calves in the last 2 weeks of doing this

BobbyOLeary

Good book, haven't read it in a while but I remember it being well worth the read.

Oh yeah? Were you able to pick up a copy in Ireland or did you have to order it in from an online retailer?

amazingemmet

Easons had them before and can probably order it in if they don't have it in stock.

evie33

I've been practising yoga for about 8 years and more than anything else it has just made me stronger (physically and mentally) and better able to sail happily through life, no matter what it throws at me. But here's a few benefits....

• Tones and strengthens muscles in the body, improves flexibility and joint mobility
• Helps to improve posture and alignment in the body
• Strengthens the respiratory and circulatory systems and helps to reduce levels of emotional and mental stress.
• Helps to reduce stress levels by producing deep states of relaxation and releasing tension from the body and mind
• Helps to normalize blood pressure
• Improved sleep patterns
• Balances the physical systems within the body including endocrine glands, the nerves and internal organs,
• Can be used in the treatment of many different conditions, including back pain, asthma, high or low blood pressure, stress/anxiety, depression, arthritis, and digestive problems.

Boru.

Kurz stuff is good. I;ve the video as well. Lots of great stuff with dynamic warm up s and technqiues for "setting" your muscles flexability in the morning. Also huge on strenght in order to be flexible. Very similar to Pavel Tstasoulines stuff which again I like a lot. Got the multiple videos for that and the books. One thing on Pavl though, the video is more a demo reel, less instructional. Thre manual is more theory less example. Kurz is both. Theory, then step by step demo. Just follow along with him and you'll be in the splits in no time - the only problem with Kurz is he ignores the rest fo the body. ;-(

Look up info on PNF stretching. Awesome stuff!

thirtyfoot

evie33 wrote:

I've been practising yoga for about 8 years and more than anything else it has just made me stronger (physically and mentally)

The mental side is interesting because while I never static stretch before or after a training run anymore, I do static stretching at least 3 times a week and find it very relaxing (as well as improving my flexibility). Its worked into my program as a session and not just an ancillary activity that may or may not get done. Many of my stretching exercises are derived from yoga, and the "concentrate on the muscle that is being stretched" lark really does work for me. Before a competition though, I would always do a static stretch (in conjunction with a dynamic warm-up) as it really helps to focus on the battle ahead.

With the trend moving towards dynamic warmups, its important that flexibility doesn't get forgotton. Whether you are a lock in rugby, a hurling goalie or a high jumper, its very important. I saw Brendan Cummins (the Tipperary Hurling Goalkeeper) talk about visiting Sunderland FC a few years ago and doing some work with their keepers and the biggest thing he took out of it was their flexibility. He took it home and worked savagely on his flexibilty and he reckoned it helped his game immensely.