elastic steel method vs kurz's method

Post questions and tips on making your stretches or your whole flexibility training most effective.
Post Reply
michele29
Posts: 17
Joined: Apr 10, 2005 12:10

elastic steel method vs kurz's method

Post by michele29 »

Has Thomas Kurz any comments?


this is the elastic steel method opinion from the web site:

I have definetely heard of Tom Kurz's book on stretching.
The closest I came to seeing it were the ads in martial arts magazines and the website.
Some of our students have tried Tom Kurz's method prior to ElasticSteel.
Some of the advantages that we get emails about:
No gym equipment required for E.S.
Organized plan of progression.
E.S. is easier on the body.
Exercises are broken up into specific groups for each stage of conditioning.
Choices of exercises for each muscle group, since different exercises benefit people differently.

The good thing about having choices between different methods, is that if one does not work the another one can.

bye :lol:

uss2048
Posts: 8
Joined: Mar 27, 2006 01:19

Post by uss2048 »

Let me first state that I have been training on side-split stretch for five years. Having suffered a hamstring pull (2nd degree) is probably a reason that I have not yet achieved a full split. Now I am at about four inches from the floor. Yesterday, I checked with the correct hip and thigh alignment, including the position of the upper trunk online. So I tried the stretch last night. I came to certain that the flexing my knees a bit forward has been the reason that prevented me from achieving a full split. I start the stretch with my feet pointing forward. As opposed to Mr. Kurtz sd, flexing a bit of our knees will actually move our hip-thigh alignment out of correctness. When I tensed my knees last night, and thus kept my legs straight. The pain on my external hip eased a lot, and I could stretch down further. At the then stretch limit, all I could feel was the tension of my leg adductors to the maximum. Before, I could stretch less further, but I did not feel much tension in my adductors.



uss2048
Hong Kong

Superfoot
Posts: 9
Joined: Nov 29, 2006 07:37
Location: England

Post by Superfoot »

DON'T BUY ELASTIC STEEL!

It's useless. You get a cheaply-made handbook that is a poor imitation of Stretching Scientifically, and the author has poor spelling and grammar.

Elastic Steel = rip off.

Stretching Scientifically = the real deal.

Tim...
Posts: 47
Joined: Sep 07, 2006 03:45

Post by Tim... »

Hi.

I think that is a little unfair. The books say a similar thing, but take a slightly different approach. ElasticSteel is much more prescriptive in it's approach, but doesn't spend much time going into the science.

I've experienced both systems and think both have their plus points. The type of stretching I do depends very much on my mindset. Sometimes I like the hardcore nature of Stretching Scientifically. Other times I prefer the more holistic approach of ElasticSteel. Then again, sometimes I prefer to just hold stretches for ages while I'm watching TV.

We can argue the toss about these different methods for ages, but when it comes down to it, if you stretch regularly you ar going to get more flexibile. If you find the more hardcore methods offputting, then they are not going to work for you.

There are valuable lessons to be learned from all the stretching systems. The trick is to find what works for you, but remember, it's not the same for everyone.

Cheers

Tim...

Arynryn
Posts: 5
Joined: Nov 16, 2007 02:29
Location: Toronto, ON

Post by Arynryn »

Tim... wrote:Then again, sometimes I prefer to just hold stretches for ages while I'm watching TV.
I am exactly the same way. I love to stretch when CSI is on (helps me maintain focus).

Aryn

Tim...
Posts: 47
Joined: Sep 07, 2006 03:45

Post by Tim... »

If you ever become a detective it's going to look a bit weird if you have to sit in the splits to solve a case. :)

Cheers

Tim...

Broncco
Posts: 14
Joined: Jan 10, 2006 10:50

Re: elastic steel method vs kurz's method

Post by Broncco »

There is also a thread like that on es site as well. The common consensus is to read as many books as you can and try as much as you can, then see what works best. Pick from each program what works best for you.

tyciol
Posts: 68
Joined: Apr 07, 2006 12:27
Location: Ontario, Canada
Contact:

Re: elastic steel method vs kurz's method

Post by tyciol »

I have not read Elastic Steel, but in terms of 'no equipment' I thought part of it involved Stretch Bands or something, whereas I believe weights are used for resistance according to Kurz teachings (boots, squats, adductor pulleys)

Post Reply

Return to “How to Stretch for Full Flexibility with No Warm-Up”