stretching for dummies

[everything]

basically, what's your one tip to help a stretching dummy?

(Dummy=me). No matter what I do, I'm not very flexible, and I'm almost positive I just train incorrectly or don't do it enough. Or just sit around reading RSF too much. Who knows. Ready to work on it in a smarter way.

[Dmitri]

One tip? Take your time with it (i.e. hold the stretched position for at least 30 seconds), and do it as frequently as possible throughout the day. Think about trying to stretch a leather belt -- it's not going to produce any tangible results if you just tug on it once a day for a few seconds.


OK can't help it - tip two (much more important): remember that everyone's different; don't try to be "as flexible as that person", or to be as flexible as you think you "should be". The key IMHO isn't achieving some ultimate flexibility goals, but just keeping things (in your body) moving around frequently enough, and with enough range. IOW, don't let your "I'm not very flexible" thought bother you. "I'm not moving enough" is a much better formula for concern.

[JoeWood]

http://www.dragondoor.com/b14/

Don't want to sound like an infomercial but it worked for me.

[everything]

Ok thanks a lot, gents. I think for me, the "not moving enough" is the main issue as well as taking more time in each position.

Adding Pavel's book to my list!

[Patrick]

PNF or balistic stretching. For recovery reasons I prefer more and more balistic stretching.
I can suggest Craigs Video at

https://awarerelaxedconnected.com.au/

[everything]

Thanks, those videos look awesome.

[origami_itto]

One tip? Take your time with it (i.e. hold the stretched position for at least 30 seconds)

My current method for this is three breaths in each stretch, slow as you can manage, "inflate" the body on inhalation, deepening the stretch and loosening on exhalation.