Overstretch

maxattack · Post by **maxattack** » Oct 31, 2005 17:59

I was browsing the web, and came across sites about overstretching, going beyond full splits. Have any of you guys tried these? I am thinking since I can do the full splits, possible working at these they all seem passive stretches.

Anyway just do a google on overstretch and you will see what I mean, it seems the info was more geared to gynmnst and dancers though.

what do you guys think this traing worth it for martial artist?

dragon · Post by **dragon** » Nov 01, 2005 06:24

Most articles i've read on stretching say you should only have a slight reserve of your maximum flexibility.
Power lifters can hinder their performance if they have too much flexibility of the trunk.
At one point in his career,Bill "superfoot" Wallace was able to reach a 215 degree(or thereabouts,haven't got the source in front of me) side split between chairs.He said that this degree of flexibility actually weakened his kicks due to instability of the hips.

Dragon.

maxattack · Post by **maxattack** » Nov 01, 2005 12:26

good point dragon I didnt think of that.

wynnema · Post by **wynnema** » Nov 02, 2005 09:01

thats right Bill Wallace actually said he felt a decrease in the snap in his kicks from going further than 180 degrees.

Also I think you are confusing "overstretch" with "oversplits"

Overstretch is when you go too far during stretching and injure yourself.