I read Stretching Scientifically this week. From what I understand, the most important thing I can be doing to acheive the splits is strength training my legs (full range and in the opposite direction of the movement). Add dynamic stretches (kicks: front, side, back) 2-3 a day (nothing hard, just swing the legs to get full range and stop) and a dash of isometric stretches about every other day.
Now, I am going to have read another book, watch a video or read this book again to figure out how to organize these techniques into the most effective way along with my four, one hour karate sessions.
Also, I was wondering if anyone has experience with bands for strength training.
Sanity Check
If you are new to strength training or your legs aren't conditioned,i would drop some of the Karate training for a while(maybe twice per week).
That way you could perform a Karate session one day followed by a weight training session the next day.Take a day's rest and then repeat the cycle.
The way the exercises would be organized:-Warm up,dynamic stretches,main part of your work out(whether it's Karate or weight training),isometric stretches(if you're ready),relaxed stretches.
Never tried bands for strength training myself.It's not what you use that matters,it's the resistance you work against to gain strength.
Some people may only use isometrics for their strength gains.Others use barbells,resistance bands,etc.
I personally prefer weights of some kind.You know where you are and how much progress you're making with a barbells/dumbbells/kettlebells.
Dragon.
That way you could perform a Karate session one day followed by a weight training session the next day.Take a day's rest and then repeat the cycle.
The way the exercises would be organized:-Warm up,dynamic stretches,main part of your work out(whether it's Karate or weight training),isometric stretches(if you're ready),relaxed stretches.
Never tried bands for strength training myself.It's not what you use that matters,it's the resistance you work against to gain strength.
Some people may only use isometrics for their strength gains.Others use barbells,resistance bands,etc.
I personally prefer weights of some kind.You know where you are and how much progress you're making with a barbells/dumbbells/kettlebells.
Dragon.