Hi...
As the new year is just round the corner (not that I am that into new year's resolutions
), I thought it would be time to document a goal that has been on my mind lately. I really need to get into a regular pattern of stretching, in order to improve my flexibility and reduce soreness during exercise. Who knows how many injuries over the years could have been prevented if I had just put a bit of effort in to stretch? But the past is of no importance now: I just need to knuckle down and stick to a solid stretching game plan.
Some Background Info: - I have naturally very tight muscles (due to genetics, I believe), which have become particularly burdensome over the last few months. Not only has it caused some discomfort during exercise, but I have found that it has been an issue when sitting down for long periods of time.
- Due to a vertebrae fracture 4 years ago, my back and abdominal muscles have been really tight and "tangled" over the past years.
- My main form of physical activity at the moment is running, and I generally do some stretching post-run - but this is definitely not adequate.
- I am slack about pre-workout routines and don't do any form of warm-up or dynamic stretching.
The Plan:- What plan??? Jokes, I haven't made anything specific yet, but hoping to do so sometime around New Year's - basically when I have a decent amount of spare time.
- Focusing on my calf, hamstring and quadricep muscles, as these are the main offenders.
- Some other areas I would like to work on are: abdominals/back muscles (to help with my back, which still causes me occasional grief, 4 years on!), knees and hips (which tend to become quite stiff on long runs).
I am happy for anyone to suggest any stretches or stretching routines they find helpful! Especially need to find some decent knee and hip stretches, as I have attempted to do some in the past, but it made them more sore!?
As a goal, I would hope that one day I would be able to touch my toes from a standing position. Not expecting this to happen anytime soon, but if I stick to a regular routine, I think it will be achievable. This is coming from someone whose last result on the "Sit and Reach Test" was something like negative 14!!
They say that flexibility is the fastest type of fitness to gain, but the easiest to lose. I guess this thread might bear witness to whether this is truly the case.