Leg Stretches

[N.B]

As some of you may know, I'm going to be taking up Taekwondo (hopefully). One of the reasons I'm doing this is to help improve my leg flexiblity so I can kick higher.

However, can anyone out there recommend the some good ways to stretch legs? Should I warm up my legs as much as possible, or should I warm them up with gradual stretching? How long should I stretch for? What's the best time of day to stretch?

Sorry about the ton of questions, I've always had problems stretching my legs, they just don't seem to improve no matter what I do. If anyone could help me out I'd be really greatful.

[disgruntled]

Originally Posted by N.B

As some of you may know, I'm going to be taking up Taekwondo (hopefully). One of the reasons I'm doing this is to help improve my leg flexiblity so I can kick higher.

However, can anyone out there recommend the some good ways to stretch legs? Should I warm up my legs as much as possible, or should I warm them up with gradual stretching? How long should I stretch for? What's the best time of day to stretch?

Sorry about the ton of questions, I've always had problems stretching my legs, they just don't seem to improve no matter what I do. If anyone could help me out I'd be really greatful.

what kind of flexability do you want? that will depend on what type of stretches you do. (i made two threads on flexability i recommend you read them so i don't have to repeat things )

yes warm up your legs..... you can do this through slowly stretching, but it is probably safer to do some light exersice first. the goal is to warm the muscles because then they can move easier and will not damage as easy.... even a warm shower or bath will help.

i can't remember how much you are suppose to stretch in a day.... i think it is my second thread on flexability.... but the best time to stretch is the morning. it doesn't really matter, but that way you will be more flexable for the rest of your day.

questions are always a good thing here

[N.B]

Thanks, I've found your other threads on flexiblity, sorry I didn't spot them sooner. They had loads of stuff I didn't know, thanks very much.

[dasher43]

Originally Posted by N.B

As some of you may know, I'm going to be taking up Taekwondo (hopefully). One of the reasons I'm doing this is to help improve my leg flexiblity so I can kick higher.

However, can anyone out there recommend the some good ways to stretch legs? Should I warm up my legs as much as possible, or should I warm them up with gradual stretching? How long should I stretch for? What's the best time of day to stretch?

Sorry about the ton of questions, I've always had problems stretching my legs, they just don't seem to improve no matter what I do. If anyone could help me out I'd be really greatful.

get something you can lean on, stick your left hand out in front of you put your right hand on what ever your leaning on and kick you left leg up to touvh your left hand and do the same but on the other side.

note that you can also do this but to the side aswell as to the front

[disgruntled]

Originally Posted by N.B

Thanks, I've found your other threads on flexiblity, sorry I didn't spot them sooner. They had loads of stuff I didn't know, thanks very much.

so what kind of flexability do you want?

[Chapel]

Allow me to stick my 2 cents in where it is not needed, wanted or appreciated. You should try to build up all aspects of flexibility, not just static or dynamic when building an exercise routine. The best part is that you don't need to give your body time to rest after each workout before doing some other exercise.

[disgruntled]

Originally Posted by Chapel

Allow me to stick my 2 cents in where it is not needed, wanted or appreciated. You should try to build up all aspects of flexibility, not just static or dynamic when building an exercise routine. The best part is that you don't need to give your body time to rest after each workout before doing some other exercise.

totally agree! i just wanted to know what type of stretches he was looking to concentrate on..... what would i do without you to always clarify what i say and finish my thoughts!!!

[Chapel]

You would probably simply have a higher post count when you take an extra post or two to fully explain what you mean.

[sannin227]

There are lots of ways to stretch with two people, for me they usually are better... one example for splits...

lie on your back and have the other person spread your legs as far as they can till its too uncomfortable, then hold it for 15 seconds.

Thats part of the stretching routine we use in my class.

[N.B]

Um, I'm just looking to increase general leg movement. The problem I also have sometimes is that I probably don't get all too many streches right. Say, for example, I was trying to touch my toes to strech my hamstrings, instead, I feel a strech in my calves. Is this normal? I am I doing something wrong?
Thanks for the help so far guys, I've already started putting your advice into practice, although I got quite dispirited, since I've recovered from illness my flexiblity has really dropped because I was lying in bed for a couple of days.

[disgruntled]

i find that that stretches my calfs too, and although i am not super flexible, no one would claim that i am not flexible.... in short that is normal

[Chapel]

Are you feeling it in your calfs also or instead? I wouldn't worry about either too much, but I do suggest that you try to keep your feet at a right angle to your legs.

It is possible that you simply lack flexibility in your calfs. As a result you reach one range of motion before you reach the targeted muscles. Try doing some stretches just for your calves and see if that improves toe touches.