From: sll28@cc.usu.edu (Lorna Payne)
Newsgroups: rec.arts.dance
Subject: Re: ************** Help with flexibility *********************
Date: 7 Sep 92 21:51:27 MDT
Organization: Utah State University

In article <1992Sep5.041627.23633@cc.umontreal.ca>, cholette@JSP.UMontreal.CA (Cholette Martin) writes:
> 
>  Hello, I have been training in the martial arts ( Karate ) for several years
>  now and I still have a problem with my flexibility. 

That's nothing.  I've been dancing (ballet and modern, as well as Scottish
Country Dance) for almost 20 years, and I still have problems!

>  When I train several
>  times in a week, my muscles become stiff and sore due to overstretching I
>  guess. 

Probably more due to overstrain.  Don't worry too much about it--if it is
only stiffness.  How regular is your training?  If it is irregular, I
would recommend some other kind of training (t'ai chi, for example) on
the other days to keep the muscle tone up.

>  I stretch every time I train , before training. I would like to know
>  what is the best way to stretch to attain maximum flexibility? Is it 
>  every day, every second day?  Do I pull hard for a short while or do I
>  pull soft for a long time ? When my muscles hurt, do I stretch them or do
>  I wait for several days for the pain to dissappear before I stretch again?
>  This is frustrating, after so many years, my muscles still stiffen after
>  heavy stretching. I am 22 years old if this is a factor in it.
 
The best way to increase flexibility is to stretch several times throughout
your workout.  Easy stretches at the beginning of your workout can help
the muscles warm up, but don't push things at this point, because cold 
muscles might prefer to pull or tear, rather than stretch.  After you
are warmed up, you should continue to stretch, and after your training
session is the best time for a thorough stretching session:  your muscles
are all warmed up, and it gives them a chance to relax and rest after
the work they've had.

You should stretch every day for maximum results.  This is unlike aerobics
or strength training, which is maximized by every-other-day workouts.  It
is better to "pull soft" but steadily "for a long time".  Pulling in
short bursts is likely to tear and pull tissue.

As for sore muscles the day after a workout, those are normal.  They
probably are not due to stretching--at least if you are doing it correctly.
Do a little *easy* stretching and then a light workout, like tai chi or
yoga, and then stretch a little more.  This will help keep the muscles
in tone and keep you from losing the flexiblity you've gained.

I'm not in the business of endorsing anything, but the Jane Fonda
workouts have excellent stretching sections.  Look at the videos or
one of the books to see how she does it.

>  I would appreciate any help with this problem, also can you point out
>  the right professional to see for this ie: M.D. or P.T. or O.T. ???

Try a physical therapist first.  If the problem is something serious, he
or she can recommend a good orthopedist or physician.

> 
>  Martin Cholete
>  cholette@jsp.umontreal.ca
-- 

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               Lorna Payne
               Certified Math Geek and Grammarian
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     The concept is simply staggering.  Pointless, but staggering.
                         -The Doctor (The Pirate Planet)
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