Starting a Stretching Routine

[RDJ]

Hand and feet are also very nice to stretch, first the entire hand or foot, then toe by toe / finger by finger. All the punching and skipping makes them very tense.

[Sharla]

My favourite stretch is the one i rave about all the time lying with my back on the ground and my feet up on a chair so my knees are bent at right angles and my arms stretched out to the sides.

I didn't take to it immediately because i tried it first lying in bed and didn't feel anything - you really need to lie on a firm surface - i think carpeted floor or a mat on a hard floor is perfect.

It's a great stretch for the chest muscles, lower back and psoas without giving you the opportunity to stretch the wrong way because your back is supported.

My chiro recommended it to me. Great for anyone who sits a lot - which i think is most people.

It is always the first stretch i do especially when tired because if my back it tight it will just clunk back into the correct shape without any real effort and if i do it first thing early in the morning it's a gentle way to wake up.

Another one Scrap showed me for hamstrings on the ball with your back supported is my very close second favourite which i'll describe if Scrap is ok with it.

I can't remember exactly which things he showed me i was supposed to keep quiet and which not with the exception of TITS so i'd rather stay quiet unless he says otherwise!

Generally i think the best stretches support your back while you do them because it forces you to stretch correctly and to takle any muscular imbalances you might have (and i think most people have a few).

[RDJ]

The best stretch IMO is hanging by your hands and making yourself as long as possible.

[Scrap]

Not a good idea RDJ, you cant stretch Bone.

[RDJ]

Not a good idea RDJ, you cant stretch Bone.

That sounds unhealthy indeed. It doesn't do that though, it stretches numerous muscles, lats and core muscles in particular.

[Scrap]

It doesnt, it contracts them.

[Youngblood]

Hey Scrap...I did a little digging through links. I would like for someone to teach me the around the back uppercut! plzk tnx.

[RDJ]

It doesnt, it contracts them.

As long as you don't pull yourself up, no muscle is contracting. I just hang, and I actually feel the muscles stretching. The only contracting muscles are in my hands so I keep hanging.