Martial arts have grown in popularity over the years, and just as programs differ, the stretching requirements for them differ, also. Taekwondo, northern shaolin and savate all have many movements requiring extremely high kicks, and so flexibility stretching programs for them should emphasize stretching the legs, increasing the flexibility in hamstrings and hips; however, in the grappling arts the flexibility stretches would focus more on the core body and arms. A newcomer to martial arts should focus on overall flexibility, and develop more customized martial arts stretching program as advancement in the program is achieved.
A good martial arts stretching program should include several parts to maximum efforts, as well as maintain safety. Here are tips to help keep your program of flexibility stretches both effective and completely safe.
1. Stretching in the Morning.
Do your martial arts stretching as part of your morning routine, to further maximize your progress. Do your flexibility stretches for up to a half hour before you have breakfast each morning. Star with a warm up, use several dynamic stretches as part of the routine, and then cool down. Don't do isometric, PNF, or static stretches in the morning workout, for fear of straining your muscles in the morning; reserve such exercises for the regular stretching workout you have during the day. It may take some effort to work up to a morning stretching routing, it'll be well worth it in the end.
2. Warming Up
There are specific warm up procedures to martial arts stretching, as you have a proper beginning and specific warm up regimen. As you begin your warm up period, start calisthenics, so that your muscles get adequate blood flow and your body temperature rises. In the specific warm up, do dynamic flexibility stretches that start getting your body accustomed to the specific martial art you focus on. In order to properly exercise, especially during the morning, you have to warm up properly, because your body is usually tighter in the morning and requires more stretching. As you finish the specific warm up, start your real stretching routine, as it more specifically focuses on what areas need to be more flexible to properly perform the martial art.
3. The Cooling Down
It is imperative to take the time for a cool-down process as part of your morning martial arts stretching program. The cool down is similar to the warm-up in that it allows additional blood flow to the muscles which speeds recovery of the muscles.
4. Safety
A martial arts stretching program to increase flexibility is vital to keep you safe as you progress within martial arts, as well as to help you meet the necessary requirements of your sport or art. However, injuring your muscles, skeletal system or connective tissues can not only slow down your progress, it can also cause you to quit the program. Here are some tips to help keep you safe as you perform your flexibility stretches.
* Talk to a physician before you start a stretching or training routine of any kind. You'll not only be safer when you do it, you'll have the approval of your doctor, leaving you feeling more free to make progress.
* Stop if you feel pain during or after doing flexibility stretches. You should feel your muscles stretching, but the warmth you feel should not turn into pain. Even a small amount of pain can signal muscular or connective issue injury and puts you at greater risk of permanent damage to your body. Moderate or severe pain while stretching should be reported to your doctor.
* Bouncing, rhythmic and bobbing motions should be avoided when performing your martial arts stretching. These methods are called ballistic stretching, they carry a high risk of injury and that risk is not worthy an potential benefits from using them.
Increase the benefits of your stretching routine by using these advanced martial arts stretching methods. You will be surprised at how fast you increase your functional flexibility. - 31491
A good martial arts stretching program should include several parts to maximum efforts, as well as maintain safety. Here are tips to help keep your program of flexibility stretches both effective and completely safe.
1. Stretching in the Morning.
Do your martial arts stretching as part of your morning routine, to further maximize your progress. Do your flexibility stretches for up to a half hour before you have breakfast each morning. Star with a warm up, use several dynamic stretches as part of the routine, and then cool down. Don't do isometric, PNF, or static stretches in the morning workout, for fear of straining your muscles in the morning; reserve such exercises for the regular stretching workout you have during the day. It may take some effort to work up to a morning stretching routing, it'll be well worth it in the end.
2. Warming Up
There are specific warm up procedures to martial arts stretching, as you have a proper beginning and specific warm up regimen. As you begin your warm up period, start calisthenics, so that your muscles get adequate blood flow and your body temperature rises. In the specific warm up, do dynamic flexibility stretches that start getting your body accustomed to the specific martial art you focus on. In order to properly exercise, especially during the morning, you have to warm up properly, because your body is usually tighter in the morning and requires more stretching. As you finish the specific warm up, start your real stretching routine, as it more specifically focuses on what areas need to be more flexible to properly perform the martial art.
3. The Cooling Down
It is imperative to take the time for a cool-down process as part of your morning martial arts stretching program. The cool down is similar to the warm-up in that it allows additional blood flow to the muscles which speeds recovery of the muscles.
4. Safety
A martial arts stretching program to increase flexibility is vital to keep you safe as you progress within martial arts, as well as to help you meet the necessary requirements of your sport or art. However, injuring your muscles, skeletal system or connective tissues can not only slow down your progress, it can also cause you to quit the program. Here are some tips to help keep you safe as you perform your flexibility stretches.
* Talk to a physician before you start a stretching or training routine of any kind. You'll not only be safer when you do it, you'll have the approval of your doctor, leaving you feeling more free to make progress.
* Stop if you feel pain during or after doing flexibility stretches. You should feel your muscles stretching, but the warmth you feel should not turn into pain. Even a small amount of pain can signal muscular or connective issue injury and puts you at greater risk of permanent damage to your body. Moderate or severe pain while stretching should be reported to your doctor.
* Bouncing, rhythmic and bobbing motions should be avoided when performing your martial arts stretching. These methods are called ballistic stretching, they carry a high risk of injury and that risk is not worthy an potential benefits from using them.
Increase the benefits of your stretching routine by using these advanced martial arts stretching methods. You will be surprised at how fast you increase your functional flexibility. - 31491
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If you would like much more information on martial arts stretching methods, scientific routines and advanced flexibility stretches, visit www.MartialArtsStretching.com.
