dynamic stretching

paulmartin · Post by **paulmartin** » Jun 09, 2005 15:16

on page 46 of stretching scientifically the leg raises to the back state that you should be feeling the stretching in the front of your thighs. I don't. Its always my hamstrings. Am I doing it wrong? I should point out I have been following the routines for about 6 months. Being an old (44) stiff runner and just recently taken up kung fu my Sifu says he is amazed at my progress especially compared to the young ones. So something must be working!

mat · Post by **mat** » Jun 09, 2005 18:26

Perhaps you are leaning too far forward when doing back leg raises? if you hold yourself slightly more upright, you might get a slightly better stretch on the front of the thighs.

[edit] Also ensure that you have not turned the hips too far back (effectively turning the exercise into more of a leg raise to the side).

Mat

Maxim · Post by **Maxim** » Jun 10, 2005 06:38

I also feel it solely in my hams, maybe because they are MUCH tighter then my quads.

dragon · Post by **dragon** » Jun 10, 2005 06:56

In Beyond Stretching by Pavel Tsatsouline he doesn't include rear leg raises.He performs front/side leg raises and lunges for the quads.
This isn't performed like the bodybuilders lunge.You assume a deep lunge position and move your torso straight up and down.To an onlooker this may appear to be bouncing,but your muscles stay relaxed with no jerking.Pavel refers to this as "floating".

You may find this works well if you wish to perform it just before the rear leg raises.

Dragon.

paulmartin · Post by **paulmartin** » Jun 11, 2005 11:05

I tried standing straighter and squarer today and I certainly noticed a difference. Thanks.