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Just as TaeKwonDo is an Art, so is the Ancient Art of Stretching one's Muscles. When martial arts first began in the Feudal Oriental nations long ago, villagers and peasants had only modest tools and their own bodies to defend themselves and their families against the mighty Samurai Warriors and attacking Clans. In typical Oriental fashion, these brave souls realized that they had to utilized Every part of their bodies for survival. For Us, however, it has become a rigorous exercise program. Whether you have back pain, you are into Karate or TaeKwonDo, or simply want to lose weight, Stretching Muscles Out is one of the best ways to keep feeling your best. If you are a beginner, and have not done so, please go to the Basic Stretches Page . So, the most important thing to know about Stretching your Muscles is that it must be done SLOWLY. The "Less is MoreApproach" simply means that you need not do your flexiblity routine everyday. You can, but being a TaeKwonDo Instructor for over 20 years, experience has taught me that skipping at least one day in between flexibility exercises reduces the chances of injury and increases the quality of your muscles' flexibility and range of motion. This is due to the fact that stretching tears muscle. That sounds almost like torture but the repeated micro tears in your muscle fiber has many benefits. Increased muscle density, strength, and flexibility are a few. Also, your body Burns Calories like crazy when repairing these micro tears thereby allowing you to lose weight. So, let's get Started. After doing the initial Basic Stretches, move on to these Intermediate Stretching Techniques. Always start with your Left Leg whether it is your dominate leg or not. Place your Left leg straight out while sitting comfortably on the floor, in front of the TV even. Place your Right Foot Behind you curling your foot snugging it up around your bottom. Remember, Stretching Muscles should be done SLOWLY. You will see me repeat this over and over, the importance of stretching muscles in this fashion cannot be overemphasized. So, slowly stretch your head down toward your Left Knee with your arms reaching for the middle of your shin, not your feet or ankles (don't try to reach this far until you have achieved a sufficient level of flexiblility). You should continue downward until you feel your leg and back muscles tense. Hold for at least a count of 20 or the length of about two short commercials if you are in front of the TV. Do this exercise at least three (3) times with a break of 1 to 3 minutes between each stretch.
Next, move your Torso down toward the area between your fully extended leg and the leg behind you. This is called, "Stretching Down in the Center." You will feel tension on your muscles in your extended leg, your hip, your back, as well as the top of the leg behind you. Stretching these muscles is key to true flexibility making this one of the most important exercises of your routine. Also, this particular stretch is where most injuries occur so GO DOWN SLOWLY, see site disclaimer Do this exercise the same as before, hold for at least 20 seconds three(3) times with a small rest in between each flex down.
Now, we go over to the other knee. With our Left Leg extended out in front, it would be our Right Knee. Turn your Torso toward your Right Knee and hold the knee with both hands. Gently pull yourself toward this knee to the point of muscle tension. Then, same as before, hold for 20 seconds at least three (3) times with a short break in between.
You may be thinking, "Is this Guy Crazy??" "I can't do this!" STOP!! You CAN do this! It just takes time and repetition. You are asking your body to do things its not used to. Luckily, our bodies are quick learners. In just a short amount of time, your body will recognize these movements and before you know it you are well on your way to becoming truly flexible! Stretching Muscles is not really hard at all. It just takes repetition. Remember to let your muscles rest and heal at least a day before doing your flexibility routine again. If you want extra stretches with this routine, after completing this set and before you get up, try laying backward with your leg behind you. You may want to have a couch or chair behind you to catch yourself until you have mastered this one, though. As I mentioned, Stretching is great for Burning Calories! For a few more ways to stay fit and lose some weight visit my friends at Back to Top of This Page
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