[joshingyou]

I'm so guilty of not keeping up with stretching as much as I used to, or should!
being an avid martial artist in the past I could drop to splits no problem. I also stretched
probably 2 hrs worth a week. Now I just do enough to get by and can feel it catch up with
me on my running and biking.

[bioman]

I used to toy around with martial arts and was able to jump into the splits and hold indefinitely, jump kick the tops of door frames et cetera. That was 15 years ago..now I'm stiff as a board and can't even begin to get into some of the stretches I used to. Sad sad sad!

I keep threatening to take a few months off lifting and just do yoga everyday....but I don't because that wouldn't be ANY fun at all. LOL. I'll just do what every guy does..wait until I'm broken.

[milwood]

Originally Posted by joshingyou

I'm so guilty of not keeping up with stretching as much as I used to, or should!
being an avid martial artist in the past I could drop to splits no problem. I also stretched
probably 2 hrs worth a week. Now I just do enough to get by and can feel it catch up with
me on my running and biking.

I am guilty of stretching neglect. It is quite important. I'll try harder.

[hypo]

Only at the gym I really need to start stretching as well since my short or inflexible hamstrings prevent my pelvis from rotating as much as it should and it is stressful for my lower back to do bent over rows, leg lifts, etc.

[Brennon]

Originally Posted by hypo

Only at the gym I really need to start stretching as well since my short or inflexible hamstrings prevent my pelvis from rotating as much as it should and it is stressful for my lower back to do bent over rows, leg lifts, etc.

Hamstrings are typically the most OVERSTRETCHED muscle and are very, very rarely tight on anyone. Typically they are so stretched that they feel tight.

What happens for most people is that the hip flexors tighten up from sitting so much, which causes the pelvis (from a side view) to rotate counter clockwise. This shortens the quadriceps, lengthens the hamstrings and also results in tight lats. A LOT of backpain stems from this...when you see people with an excessive arch and a lot of forward lean when squatting this is also typically your culprit.

[Nitrox]

I found that in my 20's I could overlook all that wanker stuff and still get by. Now in my 30's I've developed several injuries over the last few years from not keeping limber.

I now make a point of always doing warmup stretches for the bigger lifts and also include stretching sessions on cardio days.

IMO you can pay a little now or a lot later...

[CarryOnTheChaos]

how much stretching does one think is enough?

I know I stretch every muscle before working it out as a warm-up...and I also continue to stretch that muscle in between each set to keep the muscle from getting to pumped and leaving me incapable of full flexion/ROM.

I also will usually stretch out post-workout to trie and deplete all of the lactic acid from the muscle...and periodically throughout the next day if I'm sore.

My question is...is this enough? Or should I set aside actual sessions of stretching such as when I used to do martial arts?

regards,
COTC

[QUICKRYDE]

Well, I attend this yoga class at my gym, twice a week and that stretching has made a big difference in weight training, sports and sex. I will not lie to you...that **** was hard but very rewarding.

The things I can do with my body are amazing to me and I give thanks to that 30 to 45 minutes of yoga.

Oh yea, there is some pretty ass ladies in my class and very flexible.

[Brennon]

Originally Posted by CarryOnTheChaos

how much stretching does one think is enough?

I know I stretch every muscle before working it out as a warm-up...and I also continue to stretch that muscle in between each set to keep the muscle from getting to pumped and leaving me incapable of full flexion/ROM.

I also will usually stretch out post-workout to trie and deplete all of the lactic acid from the muscle...and periodically throughout the next day if I'm sore.

My question is...is this enough? Or should I set aside actual sessions of stretching such as when I used to do martial arts?

regards,
COTC

Well, you really wouldn't want to stretch it before working it out. This will only make you weaker. Plus, some muscles are already stretched on some people...hamstrings are a big one. While others are typically tight...ie. lats, chest, quads, etc. If you stretch a muscle, you aren't going to be depleting any lactic acid...and lactic acid isn't what causes fatigue, muscle soreness, or that burning sensation anyhow, it's actually a buffer.

Ideally, use the foam roller (self myofascial release) after your workout and then stretch specific, tight muscles.

[PrinceGeorgebod]

When I get to the gym im too psyched to get at it. I dont have enough patience but once i do a few set Ill stretch my warm muscles. maybe 5 min at the most and im still getting tighter as I age. I think im missing out on post work out streches, thats prolly the difference.

[mywetnightmares]

I do stretch pause sets during my workout and I stretch post workout. I also massage my muscles sometimes.

[Beelzebub]

just starting to stretch at the gym after a particular muscle is done with.

[glenihan]

i stretch each muscle group after i'm finished working it

[dude]

Originally Posted by Brennon

Hamstrings are typically the most OVERSTRETCHED muscle and are very, very rarely tight on anyone. Typically they are so stretched that they feel tight.

What happens for most people is that the hip flexors tighten up from sitting so much, which causes the pelvis (from a side view) to rotate counter clockwise. This shortens the quadriceps, lengthens the hamstrings and also results in tight lats. A LOT of backpain stems from this...when you see people with an excessive arch and a lot of forward lean when squatting this is also typically your culprit.

Where are you getting your information from? I see patients all of the time with very tight hamstrings, especially male athletes.

[gixxman]

Originally Posted by glenihan

i stretch each muscle group after i'm finished working it

that is the best time...too bad i don't strech i'm still fairly flexible...just warm up on the treadmill to get the blood going and lift, i don't do any warm up sets thats my runing

[SOWarrior]

Originally Posted by Brennon

Hamstrings are typically the most OVERSTRETCHED muscle and are very, very rarely tight on anyone. Typically they are so stretched that they feel tight.

What happens for most people is that the hip flexors tighten up from sitting so much, which causes the pelvis (from a side view) to rotate counter clockwise. This shortens the quadriceps, lengthens the hamstrings and also results in tight lats. A LOT of backpain stems from this...when you see people with an excessive arch and a lot of forward lean when squatting this is also typically your culprit.

What's the best way to stretch hip flexors? Anyone know?

[PrinceGeorgebod]

I have dificulty not overarching as my back is stronger than my legs( I think) so i lean too forward and put too much strain on my back. HOw again, do you strech the culprit muscles?