Leg Stretchers

[KSN_Princess]

Hi EveryOne,

Does those leg stretchers really work to improve your flexibility & be able to do a split as well.
Im thinking on buying one. So if i do get one i don't what to over stretch so whats a good stretching time to start out on??

Any good advice???

[Vimtoforblood]

I think somebody will be along to give you some detailed advice on this. There is a good thread called Beginner's Guide to Flexibility too.

Just seen this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GAeuplQdyZM

[seiken steve]

http://www.martialartsplanet.com/forums/showthread.php?p=34112644#post34112644

i hope this helps

[Patrick Smith]

You should read Van Zandts threads in the Flexibiliuty section. Most people don't need a machine to achieve full splits or even over splits. If you're 18 or older you should be able to use the stretching methods that Van Zandt discusses in his threads, and achieve the splits within a few months. If you're not over 18 (like me! Alas!), you'll have to wait until you're older to use some of the advanced methods.

Sorry for the rushed post, gotta run.

[kungfu_kyle]

it's a common mistake that the answer to flexibility is simply stretching, but this has two problems:

1. stretching alone does not necassarily lengthen the muscles, it simply delays the myitatic reflex (the reflex that causes your muscle to contract before you 'over-stretch' and strain, sprain or tear) temporarily, increasing the risk of injury more than anything else.

2. Does not develop the strength around a joint to control the range of motion (ROM)

But stretching itself is important depending on the needs of the student when it is combined with correct mobility and strength training.

What you really need to learn to focus on is mobility. If flexibilty is the range of motion of a joint, then mobility is the CONTROLLED range of motion of the joint.

To be honest I am very anti-stretching machines as i think they can cause more problems than solutions.

There's no such thing as a general programme (and obviously I can't give you specific DO THIS exercises because I have no idea what condition your hips are in), but to give you an idea if you want to improve your kicking ability, you could work on stretching your hip flexors, quads, low back etc like you would normally, then focus on exercise that will develop strength through the core and the lumb-pelvic-hip complex, so single leg squats, lateral lunges, yoga warrior pose 3, supine hip extensions, oblique crunches etc.

Make sure you warm up thoroughly so that your nervous system is engaged as well! :)