07-17-14, 02:35 PM | |
VF Supporter
Join Date: May 2003
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I consider myself flexible enough, so I only ever stretch tight places like hipflexors. There have been too many studies recently showing flexibility can be harmful (it's like stretching out a ligament when you twist your ankle -- it's always injury prone from then on.) Especially for the spine, Stuart McGill warns against a flexibility program, which of course goes against what we see in a lot of DVD's and yoga. And stretching itself seems overrated in terms of enhancing performance and in terms of reducing pain from exercise.
http://well.blogs.nytimes.com/2013/0...ype=blogs&_r=0
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Sarah |
07-18-14, 06:26 AM | |
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Atlantic Canada
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Since you're already very flexible, likely most widely available stretch programs are not going to push your limits at all. Most of the stuff that might is going to be yoga (just since there's so much of it available).
I think Advanced Lastics, which Mary sells, is probably your best option to start with. Beyond that, I would suggest you look at websites specializing in providing supplies to dancers, and possibly martial artists or circus performers, to find a specialized stretching routines for people who are already very flexible. If you can do the splits and want to be more flexible, you're going to have to dig to find something pretty specialized. Your time limits may be an issue as well, since most people who are working up to contortionism/are serious dancers are often willing to spend a fair amount of time stretching each day. |
07-18-14, 12:34 PM | ||
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: In a plank position
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Quote:
I will say that as a person who is not at ALL flexible, Ultimate Yogi has really helped me a lot.
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"We will dance on their chamois!" ~ Grunter von Agony, Hell Hath No Fury (The Sufferfest) |
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07-18-14, 11:20 PM | |
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Wallingford, CT
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The splits and touching the palms to the floor are very challenging stretches in themselves. What other poses/stretches are you interested in achieving?
I also recommend the Lastics dvds. I have the first one and the instruction is very, very good. |
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