1 millimeter at a time

[speedninja]

hello Everyone,
I am impressed with this forum having gained a greater level of understanding from reading through the posts. I have owned the book Stretching Scientifically for about 5 year’s now third edition. having attempted splits training a number of times with mixed results. however having read the book repeatedly and visiting this forum I now feel confident of reaching my goals.

I would like to share some key points I have found

dynamic stretching in the morning, I used to only stretch once a day in the evenings now having only performed the morning stretches for about 1 week I have found better results in my evening stretch routine. Basically this morning stretch consists of three sets of joint rotations to warm up and three sets of leg raises in each direction front rear and side followed by a few relaxed stretches.

I stretch every evening starting with the morning routine followed by either a hour of relaxed stretches, or weight training followed by isometric stretches.

Leg strength is an important factor, Having not trained for a while but doing a lot of snowboarding I found I could drop into the front split
I attributed this to all the snowboarding and strength it had built up in my legs.

Also with the dynamic leg raises in the past I had a tendency to push a little harder than I should, I guess turning into more of a ballistic stretch more so with the raise to the side. Probably out of frustration and not gaining improvement quickly enough. I found by being more controlled in these leg raises especially the side raise that I am beginning to see improvement

At present I have been stretching for about 2 months and have just started a weight program to help strengthen my legs. I hope weight training will help me further.

Thanks Mr Kurz for the book and this great website I know you say that this kind of flexibility can be gained in three months or so, realistically for myself I’m looking at a longer time but even if it takes me three years ill have a smile on my face stretched out between two chairs.

Has anyone followed a similar routine or have advice for my current plan? Has anyone noticed improvement when lifting weights please share any experience / ideas?
Thanks again for all the knowledge shared throughout this forum

[dragon]

I stretch every evening starting with the morning routine followed by either a hour of relaxed stretches, or weight training followed by isometric stretches.

You don't say how often you're weight training.Personally,i'd say say stretching everyday for an hour is more than is needed.You may get better results if you take more rest days.

Dragon.

[CrazyBoy]

Dragon is right: you should be carefull not to overtrain yourself. I used to stretch just like, before finding out this forum and mr Kurz's method. Everyday I did static passive stretching, never noticing great improvements. As Mr Kurz says: pay attention to your body and thus you'll be able to find out what training program suits you well.

[speedninja]

Well Last night was only my second weight lifting session followed by isometrics, the first being a week earlier. it took a whole week for my legs to recover. my leg workout consisted of 3 sets of lunges, 3 sets of squats in horse riding stance, hamstring curls followed by isometric stretches for quads, hamstrings and sidesplit. My legs should soon be conditioned enough to prehaps do two weight sessions and isometrics a week. thanks for the advice I will try and have a day of complete rest as well. I have ordered Secrets of Stretching DVD hopefully this will show more lifting techniques etc to follow.

how much of a difference does lifting weights as opposed to not lifting affect flexability progress? If once the flexability has been obtained will stopping weight lifting affect the flexabillity obtained?

[dragon]

Onceflexibility has been achieved stretching alone should maintain it.
However,your body conditioning is important as a martial artist to minimize injury.

Dragon.