Gaining Flexibility?

[Redisbest]

So I've always been inflexible.

Even when I was extremely fit in high school (playing two sports all year, etc.) I was never flexible. Even sitting down to reach my toes and stretch my legs is something that I have to constantly work at to be able to reach my toes. I'm just not naturally flexible in any way.

I'm just wondering: certainly I can increase my flexibility. But at what point is it just plain genetics that my muscles don't stretch any more? How much effort should I put into gaining flexibility, when I know I've tried for months before with little progress? I seem to hit a wall which other people think is a joke when I demonstrate how inflexible I am. They think because I'm fit that I should be flexible but I can't stretch any further!

[Uplift]

I reckon just work at achieving functional flexibility for you. Bone lengths, muscle size and length, tendon and attatchments all effect it. You can actually be too flexible to be proficient in some activities. Sprinters had a problem going over the top with flexibility. Lifting heavy things can be inefficient if there is too much flexibility. But at the same time being inflexible in some areas, can lead to problems in others. It is good to understand your individual body type and work in its favour. Physically we are all different.

[Iksander]

Uplift provided good advice and I would add that when performing strength and size building exercises, the muscles will naturally become shorter due to the contractions.

My body is similar, flexibility is only moderate but muscle size and fast-twitch muscle are quite abundant.

[Shamou]

Here is where you can find everything you want on flexibility... and even more...

Stretching and Flexibility - Physiology of Stretching

Good luck to you...
.

[SmellyOrc]

For some awesome flexibility, I recommend getting Pavel Tsatsouline's Relax into Stretching. It has everything you need.
And hey, its Pavel Tsatsouline. Can't go wrong

[Power]

I think the best resource is a gymnastic instructor/teacher. Gymnastics sport's philosophy is about attaining the balance of strength and flexibility. Seeing gymnists in action is evident that their flexibility is proportionate to their strength. Im sure these guys have the answers we are searching for about flexibility, its in their routines and exercises.

I just havent got round to it to find out some info from them any gymnists in this forum to enlighten us how to go about flexing?

[tylerlloyd]

This is very interesting because I happen to be in the same boat - I've only recently begun a regular stretching regimen to compliment my resistance training. I've already made some good progress and expect that it won't be long before I can hit all three splits.

Since others have already recommended some resources on stretching I'll recommend something else: make sure to always ask yourself whether you're giving it the 2 Essential Ingredients. I'm looking forward to hearing about your progress

[NotesMaeve]

Originally Posted by Uplift

You can actually be too flexible to be proficient in some activities. Sprinters had a problem going over the top with flexibility. Lifting heavy things can be inefficient if there is too much flexibility. But at the same time being inflexible in some areas, can lead to problems in others. It is good to understand your individual body type and work in its favour. Physically we are all different.

Yup. I'm double-jointed and can attest. Upper body stuff is dreadful for me.

[ZoFlies]

Originally Posted by Redisbest

So I've always been inflexible.

Even when I was extremely fit in high school (playing two sports all year, etc.) I was never flexible. Even sitting down to reach my toes and stretch my legs is something that I have to constantly work at to be able to reach my toes. I'm just not naturally flexible in any way.

I'm just wondering: certainly I can increase my flexibility. But at what point is it just plain genetics that my muscles don't stretch any more? How much effort should I put into gaining flexibility, when I know I've tried for months before with little progress? I seem to hit a wall which other people think is a joke when I demonstrate how inflexible I am. They think because I'm fit that I should be flexible but I can't stretch any further!

Pilates! I have worked with some seemingly non-flexible clients and the great part is... they just needed to lengthen an active muscle. For some people static stretching (ex. sitting down and trying to reach your toes) just really doesn't work. In pilates there are exercises which lengthen activated muscles! Lengthening an activated muscles helps the muscles STAY lengthened.

Another part of it is how you DO an exercise. Pilates is really an excellent way to work through this. Since you are an active and fit person I woud recommend at least a few sessions with a pilates instructor one-on-one to really get you going.

You may also think you are not flexible all over your body when it may actually only be a few spots affecting many other places.

Peace.

[Shamou]

Originally Posted by ZoFlies

Pilates! I have worked with some seemingly non-flexible clients and the great part is... they just needed to lengthen an active muscle.

Could we be doing a little spamming here...???

.

[Dharma]

This has worked for me:
Amazon.com: Relaxercise: The Easy New Way to Health and Fitness: Books: David Zemach-bersi

[Razo]

Flexibility is my forte and I got it from taekwon-do. Everyday without fail just warm up and do the same routine stretches, pushing yourself to your limits (without unnecessary pain). stretch for at least 10-15 seconds each repetition.
after that, do exercises that push your flexibility (like kicking, etc)

what I love about doing it at TKD is that you can't slack off, and your doing it with others, but either way, you will improve, just make it a habit. when your in front of the TV and not doing anything, stretch. good luck!