I'm currently focusing on learning the sidesplits...
To learn it I have bought myself a legstretcher (brand Matsuru, so it should be good enough).
- Anyway, my question is about the following:
I allready read Thomas book "Stretching Scientifically", but it's difficult to learn something out of a book. So I'm thinking about getting the dvd "Secrets of Stretching - Exercises for the lower Body".
Is this dvd a good help to get more help in sidesplits??
At this moment I'm ONLY using my legstretcher but I have to do everything on my own, without any help (so I don't know if I'm doing the right thing). I'm on 140 degrees now... so it looks quite good.
But some help via a dvd would be welcome...
* I also use the dvd "Nikki Berwick - Maximum Stretching" as a daily routine now, but it doesn't tell much about splits...
I hope some1 can help me, thanks...
- Stretching advise...
- Stretching advise...
"The Mind is like a Parachute, it works best when it is open" - Rickson Gracie
The information provided in the DVD is pretty much the same as the book.If you have trouble understanding the information in the book then the visual aid will be of benefit to you.
The problem with using a leg stretcher(in my opinion) is that it can make a practitioner lazy.
The effort required to get into the desired position usually does not call for any manual positioning of the legs/torso.Instead it's done for you by turning a wheel or pulling a lever.This misses the point of listening to,and understanding,your own body.When it comes to martial arts practice(if that's what you do) your body has to work as a unit when you kick(or punch for that matter).
Also,i don't know if they can be used effectively for isometrics.
Leg stretchers may be ok for supplimental training for variation but i wouldn't rely on one for everything.
Dragon.
The problem with using a leg stretcher(in my opinion) is that it can make a practitioner lazy.
The effort required to get into the desired position usually does not call for any manual positioning of the legs/torso.Instead it's done for you by turning a wheel or pulling a lever.This misses the point of listening to,and understanding,your own body.When it comes to martial arts practice(if that's what you do) your body has to work as a unit when you kick(or punch for that matter).
Also,i don't know if they can be used effectively for isometrics.
Leg stretchers may be ok for supplimental training for variation but i wouldn't rely on one for everything.
Dragon.
Iceman, you should read what Mr. Kurz has to say about stretching machines in this issue of Stadion News. Bottom line: he is not a fan of them.
-Mark
-Mark