Left side more flexible than right side, how can I fix it?

[Halma]

One of my biggest flexibility problems has always been my back & hamstring flexibility. (I can barely bend down & touch my toes)

So I've been doing hamstring stretches (basic stretches as well as some PNF stretches), but I'm coming across a recurring problem: My left hamstring is considerably more flexible than my right. I feel like I'm making progress with the left side, but the right side gets "stuck" at a much less stretched position, after which pushing it further gets very painful very quickly. I really have to push my left side hard in order for it to start hurting nearly that much.

Is this normal? Anything I should do about it?

e.g. Should I ignore it? Stretch the right side more? (To help it catch up) Stretch the right side less? (To give it some rest)

[Van Zandt]

Having one side more flexible than the other is common in martial arts, particularly those who favour a certain leg when kicking.

For example, I am a right-legged kicker. My left hamstring is more flexible [than the right] because, during kicking, it is subjected to a static stretch.

In kicking, your legs are in the same position in relation to each other as they are in the front split. Therefore, if you want to balance out your hamstring flexibility, you should spend more time focusing on your right-leg-forward front split.

It is not that big of a deal, as long as it is not affecting your posture.

[Halma]

Hey, thanks Van Zandt. It's good to know that it's fairly normal, I was worried it might be due to an old injury or something. I'll just continue working both sides.

By the way, while we're somewhat on the topic, I still get lower back pain sometimes after a heavy kicking workout. I expect that it's probably due to lack of hamstring and/or back flexibility. I'm doing hamstring weight training & isometric stretches, but is there any stretch position for the back, or is that just down to lumbar strength training?

[Van Zandt]

Actually, the pain you're experiencing is most likely a result of your posture during kicking, which compresses your spine. This is particularly the case when you do side-on kicks, such as the side, roundhouse and hook kick. The bending and twisting action of your upper torso creates pressure on the vertebrae.

Doing forward bends after every few sets of kicks will help to create space between the vertebrae, thus relieving the pressure. Doing strength exercises such as deadlifts and good mornings will help also.

[Halma]

Thanks again for the tips, I'll try that! (Although I don't know how much the forward bends will help, seeing as I can only bend to about 90 degrees, but I'll do it anyway!)