Hi Im looking for aleg streching programme to help me to be more flexible when kicking etc, can anyone suggest one please? Thanks
Elastic Steal is a good book if you got the money, if not check this out: http://martialartsplanet.com/magazine/fitness/index.htm
Or try these free videos [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mLG-aZU6Wbs"]How to do the Splits SIDE SPLIT 5 minute flexibility Side Split How To Do Splits - YouTube[/ame] [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ppaTKiFEDrg"]Front Split Explanation and Comparison - YouTube[/ame] [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IYs2tzXpTzw&feature=related"]How To Do the SPLITS STRETCHES EXL Side Split Front Split Martial Arts - YouTube[/ame]
Dynamic stretches (leg lifts in all directions) every morning. Follow these up with static stretches if you have time. Repeat dynamic stretches in the evening at the start of your workout. At the end of your workout do isometric and relaxed static stretches. Regards, Dan
Super foot... when you say dynamic leg lifts, what exactly would those be. Just lifting/swinging your leg straight up (to the front, back and side) unbent - kind of like you see dancers do when they warm up?
Yes, they are a very similar exercise. However, you should lead or lift your leg rather than swing it (to prevent it becoming a ballistic stretch), and build up the height and speed of the stretch over a number of sets.
Superfoot, so if I am reading you correctly you are building the muscles on your abductors, I think is the correct muscle?
If you want to use Paul's videos, at least point to the right one. These are for high kicks. [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QG1v6pPt-4w"]YouTube - HIGH SIDE KICK Training High Kick Side[/ame] [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uF7awQYtFqw"]YouTube - HIGHER SIDE KICK /Round House Exercise for Higher Kicks HIGH ROUNDHOUSE ROUND HOUSE KICK KICKS[/ame] [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ujinjS1iSOQ"]YouTube - HIP FLEXOR Conditioning For Front Kick Hip Flexors[/ame] [ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUJ7eO6kip0"]YouTube - DYNAMIC STRETCHING[/ame]
The abductors are activated during the side leg raise. You don't build muscle size during side leg raises, but you may build some muscular endurance (though very little). If that is your goal, add ankle weights and decrease the speed of your leg raises.
