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The AnyWhere Quick Stretches GuideFinally!! True to Life Quick Stretches shared by a Black Belt TaeKwonDo instructor that can be done ANYWHERE!For most people, the importance of time is increasingly obvious, especially, as the last bite of a 45 second fast food lunch is whoofed down. Where do we find the time to do anything that will actually benefit us? This country's weight gain over the past decade has increased by at least 15lbs on average. WOW! This is due, in large part, to lack of physical activity and no time to work on ourselves through exercise, stretching, sweating, etc. So, here are some quick stretches that I personally used when I started in TaeKwonDo many years ago. These are especially for people with no time or little time to devote to this essential part of any exercise program. These exercises will not give you immediate results but over time will increase your flexibility or even help sustain your on personal level of flexibility as you go about your daily affairs.
- The most simple of these is what I call the "Long Stride". As you are walking, simply make your steps an extra four or even six inches longer than normal. It will take some getting used to but you will definitely be able to feel tension in your hamstring.
- The Deep Bend is done as you are bending or reaching for something. Same principle as the "Long Stride", simply go down a few inches farther as you bend down. This will help to get your back muscles loosened up. **Until you get used to it, don't try to go too far over or you may end up toppling over.** See our Disclaimer Policy .
- The Side to Side can be done as you are standing from a sitting position. When fully upright, place your hands on your hips and move your torso over to your left side and hold, then to your right side and hold for about ten seconds. This can also be done with your arms up in the air.
- The Calf Stretch is done by slightly bending over onto a desk or chair while leaving your feet flat on the floor. This one really stretches those dense muscle fibers in your calves. Feel that Burn!! This stretch should be followed up with the ....
- Toe PullBack. Flexibility in the toes is Always missed in martial arts but it is very important. A round kick with the ball of the foot (toes pulled back) is much more powerful and less painful to yourself than one where your toes are making the contact with an opponent. So, if you can take your shoes off, do it. It is much better with the shoes off. In the same position as the "Calf Stretch", hold on to the desk or chair and raise up onto the balls of your feet and lean forward. This will effectively stretch those tiny muscles in the bottoms of your toes and allow you that access to strike with the ball of your foot at will.
These are just a few of the AnyWhere Quick Stretches. I will post pictures and a few more of these soon. Click Here for more Warm-Up Stretches. Hey, be sure to sign up for my TKD Quick-Kicks Ezine for lots of great articles that I write periodically. The form is located just under the Navigation Bar to the Left. Take Care,Jim@TaeKwonDo-Connection.com
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