And how about "stretching"?

[Trix]

Good morning!

I'm a newbie here but I've been reading a lot of the posts and I've learned some great things from all of you... so first I want to thank you all for sharing such valuable information and being so helpful!

The one thing I have noticed (or perhaps I just didn't read the right posts), is that nobody seems to talk about the importance of "stretching" (either using a stretching routine, or doing some yoga for example), on a regular basis.

I was wondering if any of you use a regimented stretch routine or do yoga.

I lift weights at home - I have a good set-up (and I'm not afraid to bulk up, actually, I want to bulk up as much as I can "naturally" - I'm a big fan of Tom Venuto) and I find that stretching regularly and doing some yoga helps my muscles and my body be more limber etc...

But I'm wondering if I'm the only one bothering with this or if others do it too...

I'm posting this here as I figure that it would probably be more of a "woman thang" - I don't often see too many men that have a full stretching routine (although, if they do, I hope they read this and I can't wait to get their feedback too!)

Have a great day! TGIF!!!

Nathalie

[Hawkwind]

I stretch, often before, during and after a set. I also do yoga, pilates and Tai Chi.

There are couple guys and gals here on the site that are fans of yoga, or that practice some type of marshal art and the stretching those practices entail.

[phat chick]

Originally Posted by Trix

I lift weights at home - I have a good set-up (and I'm not afraid to bulk up, actually, I want to bulk up as much as I can "naturally" - I'm a big fan of Tom Venuto) and I find that stretching regularly and doing some yoga helps my muscles and my body be more limber etc...

Tom Venuto's e-book is fantastic...i think everyone should read it ;-P

[meera]

Stretching is very important indeed. I neglected it for a while and it has led me to unwanted stiffness and loss of my previous flexibility. I have made a change to this now by doing yoga 2 times a week again. It will take me time to get back in the swing of things but hey, I am trying.

Have a look at this for guidance:

Great All Over Body Stretches

[Trix]

Originally Posted by phat chick

Tom Venuto's e-book is fantastic...i think everyone should read it ;-P

Fully agree girl!!! BFFM is just PHENOMENAL!!! (and so are you! you give a lot of terrific advice and you've help me greatly as a new "reader" of this site)


Thanks for the link Meera - BBC has some great info on their site and the stretches are terrific. Actually, all those stretches and a lot more are on this DVD that I recently purchased. It's from Gaiam (I have a lot of Rodney Yee Yoga dvds too - he's fantastic), this one is their AM-PM Stretch for Health DVD, and it's quite comprehensive. You can see a preview here on the Gaiam site:

http://www.gaiam.com/retail/product....t%5Fid=91-0246

Hawkwind, I do either the AM or PM session every day plus some yoga with Rodney (usually his AM Yoga for b eginners DVD during the week, and a more extensive yoga or pilates session on weekends). I have also started some Tai Chi. It's a very interesting kind of workout.

I recently purchased a Kundalini Yoga DVD, again from Gaiam (found it on Ebay for cheaper again), but it'S really different than the normal yoga I guess you could say:

http://www.gaiam.com/retail/product....t%5Fid=90-0054

Have a look at that preview, I think you will find it interesting too...

Cheers!
Nathalie

[narcsarge]

If I may be permited to jump in the "ladies" forum: I stretch. I always have. When I started back I would do 5-10 minutes just to warm up. I then stretch the muscle group I am working on between sets. I also attend Taekwon Do 3 times a week so I really get a stretch there. Very important for you balance and to prevent injury.

[Trix]

Thank you for your feedback Narcsarge -- and I sure don't mind having you jump in here anytime you want

I also stretch before my weight lifting sessions, during (in between sets) and after I'm all done. It makes me feel better.

I know that a lot of people are not too keen on spending much time stretching, but that's so important - especially to prevent injuries, that I figured it wouldn't hurt if I brought up the subject.

I'm loaded with work right now (freelance translator) and regular exercise, weight lifting and stretching sessions are what keep me sane - helps me cope with stress big time.

TGIF!!!

[Sophie]

I've always stretched. I've been a in activities that required flexibility for over 11 years. I was a cheerleader in elementary, a baton twirler throughout high school, and a dancer from 11 grade until present.

Here is a link to some of my "basic" stretches. I don't do all of these. This was a site I made for someone else. I do most of them on a daily basis though.

http://angel.catfangz.com/stretch/stretch.html

[CubanChick]

Never Stretch before workouts. I usually start with a lite set and then I stretch a bit during each set. Never had a problem. I am always on the run and never really felt the need to stretch much. The only time I do is after a spin class.... i need it then.

[sundaygirl]

when i first started training i didnt stretch, but as time went on i found that i needed to do some. it really hurts at first but now i do it before and after a workout and it seems to relax me.

looked at some of sophies stretches couldnt do some of them.


sunday

[Sophie]

Originally Posted by sundaygirl

looked at some of sophies stretches couldnt do some of them.
sunday

Don't hurt yourself! Most of that flexibility came from YEARS of stretching.

[Trix]

Originally Posted by Sophie

I've always stretched. I've been a in activities that required flexibility for over 11 years. I was a cheerleader in elementary, a baton twirler throughout high school, and a dancer from 11 grade until present.

Here is a link to some of my "basic" stretches. I don't do all of these. This was a site I made for someone else. I do most of them on a daily basis though.

http://angel.catfangz.com/stretch/stretch.html

Great page Sophie! Thanks for sharing it - I can do most of the stretches on that page (more or less to the degree shown in your pictures), except for the split (ouch!!!), but funny enough, the other night I had a dream and I was able to do the split effortlessly!

Yeah, I know, I could be dreaming of much better things, but somehow that one got in there hahaha

[Sophie]

Originally Posted by Trix

Great page Sophie! Thanks for sharing it - I can do most of the stretches on that page (more or less to the degree shown in your pictures), except for the split (ouch!!!), but funny enough, the other night I had a dream and I was able to do the split effortlessly!

Yeah, I know, I could be dreaming of much better things, but somehow that one got in there hahaha

Your welcome.

It was not one of my better stretching days when I took those. I was sore from my leg workout the previous day. I love stretching though.

[narcsarge]

Yes Sophie, great pics and stretches. Unfortunately I won't be stretching too much for a while. Just had my calf muscle tear slightly last night. Ooops!

[Sophie]

^ Ouch! How'd you manage that?

[meera]

Those are yoga stretches. Great work there Sophie! Keep it going girl!

[Sophie]

Never done yoga. Those are just the stretches we did for dance. Some of them are from physical therapy for my back as well.

[narcsarge]

Originally Posted by Sophie

^ Ouch! How'd you manage that?

Halfway through Taekwon Do class, had already been to the gym, back day, and had warmed up, run, done jumping jacks and various kicks and punches. We were doing kicks to hand targets and when I put my left foot back after doing an Axe kick with it. Pop! That is how I did it. I hate injuries.... grrr!

[Sophie]

souds painful. my advice, don't do it again