Isometric Stretching for Flexibility page

[kcarol]

Hey everyone,

I've been reading up on isometric stretching. It seems the best for flexibility, although I've never tried it. I'm trying to get back into ballet right now (former dancer), and need a way to push my flexibility to the next level. IMO a dancer can never be too flexible.

First: Tips? What would a good stretching schedule look like for consistent improvements. Every day? Twice a day?

Second: How much should I emphasize splits, for example, over other stretches meant to increase hip flexibility and so on? Maybe some martial artists in here could help...

Last thing: when it comes to stretching, I'm all about no pain no gain. Until I tore my hamstring and it laid me up for almost a year (we're talking not being able to walk for a few weeks). SO, how much no pain no gain? Don't want that happening again.

Thanks everyone. Some advice would really help--too much confusion on how to produce significant and consistent progress with stretching.

[Clymb]

Hey everyone,

I've been reading up on isometric stretching. It seems the best for flexibility, although I've never tried it. I'm trying to get back into ballet right now (former dancer), and need a way to push my flexibility to the next level. IMO a dancer can never be too flexible.

First: Tips? What would a good stretching schedule look like for consistent improvements. Every day? Twice a day?

Second: How much should I emphasize splits, for example, over other stretches meant to increase hip flexibility and so on? Maybe some martial artists in here could help...

Last thing: when it comes to stretching, I'm all about no pain no gain. Until I tore my hamstring and it laid me up for almost a year (we're talking not being able to walk for a few weeks). SO, how much no pain no gain? Don't want that happening again.

Thanks everyone. Some advice would really help--too much confusion on how to produce significant and consistent progress with stretching.

Have you ever taken yoga? I find Ashtanga yoga to be best for increasing flexibility

[Clymb]

Ashtanga Yoga - Advanced A - Ka

[kcarol]

Thanks for the tip! I will look into it.

[Abu Reena]

stretching should not hurt. You should feel the stretch, but it shouldn't hurt. Ever.

[PoisonApple]

"tension" not pain.. I would stretch whatever you need to stretch 2-3 times a day, hold each stretch 3-5 times for at least 30 seconds. Look into autogenic inhibition and reciprocol inhibition proprioceptive neuromuscular stretching too