Discussion
Facebook is advertising a stretching programme to me that promises to enable me to be able to do the splits if I follow it for four weeks.
I’m in decent shape, knocking on the door to 50, but feel like my hip and groin area is really tight and inflexible
Question is, has anyone followed this type of programme and had decent results?
8 mins per day seems decent and doable
Don’t think I have the time or inclination for the usual Pilates, yoga etc so this seemed like a good compromise
I’m in decent shape, knocking on the door to 50, but feel like my hip and groin area is really tight and inflexible
Question is, has anyone followed this type of programme and had decent results?
8 mins per day seems decent and doable
Don’t think I have the time or inclination for the usual Pilates, yoga etc so this seemed like a good compromise
Not all tightness and inflexibility is down to not stretching, so just be mindful of that.
These programs might work for some, but if you have impingement etc, doesn't matter how much you stretch, you want get there.
Or worse, you keep forcing the progression and damage something.
Not to put a dampener on it - just don't force anything, even if it feels like you've built up to the final bit.
These programs might work for some, but if you have impingement etc, doesn't matter how much you stretch, you want get there.
Or worse, you keep forcing the progression and damage something.
Not to put a dampener on it - just don't force anything, even if it feels like you've built up to the final bit.
Martial arts instructor/personal trainer/general fitness dogsbody here. Lots of quals, but the only one of interest to the OP will probably be my lifetime experience of all types of stretching plans. Unless you have favourable genetics and are already capable of splits but have simply fallen out of practice then there is no way you'll safely do splits in that time. 8 mins? Your warm up should be 20 mins at least! As the poster above says, be very careful. Many very flexible friends of mine are on new hips now... .
There are plenty of apps promoting the same kind of thing... 6 pack in 30 days, splits in 30 days, handstand in 30 days etc.
As the above poster says, a very good warmup and long stretches are required before doing anything such as even trying the splits.
When I was younger I was heavily involved in gymnastics, parallel bars etc. and could do the splits (right split, left split, centre 180°). I'm 31 now, still with a really good level of fitness (don't read anything into my username
), but over the last 10 or so years I have slowly lost the ability despite still regularly exercising, stretching, gym workouts. Unfortunately, it does take time and dedication.
Those apps seem to promote the idea that anyone can just download it, take 10 minutes every morning or evening to do the prescribed exercises. Sure, it's great to take it lightly and try because ultimately it will stretch your muscles and exercise your joints, but the splits (in 30 days or otherwise) might be a step too far! The very last thing you want is to end up being less flexible and mobile through injury than you were before you embarked on this idea.
As the above poster says, a very good warmup and long stretches are required before doing anything such as even trying the splits.
When I was younger I was heavily involved in gymnastics, parallel bars etc. and could do the splits (right split, left split, centre 180°). I'm 31 now, still with a really good level of fitness (don't read anything into my username
), but over the last 10 or so years I have slowly lost the ability despite still regularly exercising, stretching, gym workouts. Unfortunately, it does take time and dedication.Those apps seem to promote the idea that anyone can just download it, take 10 minutes every morning or evening to do the prescribed exercises. Sure, it's great to take it lightly and try because ultimately it will stretch your muscles and exercise your joints, but the splits (in 30 days or otherwise) might be a step too far! The very last thing you want is to end up being less flexible and mobile through injury than you were before you embarked on this idea.
Appreciate the responses - in terms of what I’d like to get out of it, I’d just like more flexibility than I have, especially pelvis, groin and lower back area, and if it costs me 8 minutes a day and $27 in total then I’ll be very happy.
Just something simple that I can do over a short period of time in an evening, with a bit of a plan, would be ideal.
Self diagnosed but im convinced my lack of flexibility in the hip, pelvis area has been a major contributor to the several years of lower back strain and acheyness down there
For the outlay, which is minimal, I was wondering if there were any real life PH examples of someone who had tried it
Just something simple that I can do over a short period of time in an evening, with a bit of a plan, would be ideal.
Self diagnosed but im convinced my lack of flexibility in the hip, pelvis area has been a major contributor to the several years of lower back strain and acheyness down there
For the outlay, which is minimal, I was wondering if there were any real life PH examples of someone who had tried it
I've been doing about 20mins of stretches every day for the past 4 weeks on instructions from a physio i saw after doing my knee in.
I am unfit and lardy.
I can now touch my toes most days after doing my stretches (which the physio says is a good thing). Doing the splits I'd say is not possible for most people in a short amount of time (intentionally, without causing damage)
Genetics has a massive amount to do with it.
One of my wifes friends has either long tendons or stretchy tendons (genetic thing) and she's naturally pretty bendy, but shes running with a known fault code.
I am unfit and lardy.
I can now touch my toes most days after doing my stretches (which the physio says is a good thing). Doing the splits I'd say is not possible for most people in a short amount of time (intentionally, without causing damage)
Genetics has a massive amount to do with it.
One of my wifes friends has either long tendons or stretchy tendons (genetic thing) and she's naturally pretty bendy, but shes running with a known fault code.
Think I’m going to put myself forward as a human Guinea pig for this.
I’m convinced that stiffness in my hips, pelvis, groin is causing my lower back pain and general fatigue.
At least with this I can push myself as little or as far as I want and it gives me some sort of structure to follow.
I won’t be over stretching, nor will I be trying to do the splits… it’s not something that appeals to me
Now I just need to find that Facebook ad! Im sure it can’t be far away!
I’m convinced that stiffness in my hips, pelvis, groin is causing my lower back pain and general fatigue.
At least with this I can push myself as little or as far as I want and it gives me some sort of structure to follow.
I won’t be over stretching, nor will I be trying to do the splits… it’s not something that appeals to me
Now I just need to find that Facebook ad! Im sure it can’t be far away!
If you're keen to have a good go, and for free, you might be worth taking a look at this routine: https://antranik.org/splits/
It's a bloke who spends his time researching and compiling what he feels is the most effective way of learning/ developing what they call 'bodyweight fitness'. I think he's rather good personally. I think he does also offer programs for sale if you think they're worth doing, but the splits routine and a couple others look to be comprehensive enough without paying.
It's a bloke who spends his time researching and compiling what he feels is the most effective way of learning/ developing what they call 'bodyweight fitness'. I think he's rather good personally. I think he does also offer programs for sale if you think they're worth doing, but the splits routine and a couple others look to be comprehensive enough without paying.
I'm guessing your real problem is a mental one, commitment/motivation related. You're looking to throw money at a shiny thing to see if it solves your problem (I've been there, Tae Bo videos in the 90s!), it's like people that spend time researching and justifying some bit of gym equipment rather than just getting on with it.
You could already be doing yoga/stretching - there is a wealth of free information out there, instead you're procrastinating. If you really need the guidance sign up for classes where others will motivate you - you won't be motivated by a set of videos you bough online.
You could already be doing yoga/stretching - there is a wealth of free information out there, instead you're procrastinating. If you really need the guidance sign up for classes where others will motivate you - you won't be motivated by a set of videos you bough online.
Venier said:
Think I’m going to put myself forward as a human Guinea pig for this.
I’m convinced that stiffness in my hips, pelvis, groin is causing my lower back pain and general fatigue.
At least with this I can push myself as little or as far as I want and it gives me some sort of structure to follow.
I won’t be over stretching, nor will I be trying to do the splits… it’s not something that appeals to me
Now I just need to find that Facebook ad! Im sure it can’t be far away!
Hey! For just £30 I can teach you how to become rich too! I’m convinced that stiffness in my hips, pelvis, groin is causing my lower back pain and general fatigue.
At least with this I can push myself as little or as far as I want and it gives me some sort of structure to follow.
I won’t be over stretching, nor will I be trying to do the splits… it’s not something that appeals to me
Now I just need to find that Facebook ad! Im sure it can’t be far away!
I’ve seen the advert before, I’ve also watched a video where a relatively fit guy tried and failed. It was a pretty honest review, showing an improvement in flexibility, but even after 60 days following the plan to the letter he was still unable to get all the way down.
By all means follow a training plan to improve flexibility, but don’t pay for it, and don’t expect guaranteed results.
Sounds a bit 'scammy'. Why pay for it when there are myriad Youtube videos showing you how to do some leg stretches?
For a baseline, you could start by standing straight up with your feet together and pointing forwards. Run your hands slowly down the front of your thighs, over your knees, your shins. Your goal might be to get the tips of your fingers down to hook over your toes, whilst keeping your knees locked straight. A lifetime of desk/office work or even driving will mean your hamstrings are shorter than average and require a little more stretching.
There are variations of that hamstring stretch such as sitting down with your legs straight out in front of you and leaning forward to ultimately touch your toes, and with your legs spread apart and leaning each side to touch that foot. Just take it slowly at first.
For a baseline, you could start by standing straight up with your feet together and pointing forwards. Run your hands slowly down the front of your thighs, over your knees, your shins. Your goal might be to get the tips of your fingers down to hook over your toes, whilst keeping your knees locked straight. A lifetime of desk/office work or even driving will mean your hamstrings are shorter than average and require a little more stretching.
There are variations of that hamstring stretch such as sitting down with your legs straight out in front of you and leaning forward to ultimately touch your toes, and with your legs spread apart and leaning each side to touch that foot. Just take it slowly at first.
Venier said:
Think I’m going to put myself forward as a human Guinea pig for this.
I’m convinced that stiffness in my hips, pelvis, groin is causing my lower back pain and general fatigue.
At least with this I can push myself as little or as far as I want and it gives me some sort of structure to follow.
I won’t be over stretching, nor will I be trying to do the splits… it’s not something that appeals to me
Now I just need to find that Facebook ad! Im sure it can’t be far away!
I'm convinced that's not your problem.I’m convinced that stiffness in my hips, pelvis, groin is causing my lower back pain and general fatigue.
At least with this I can push myself as little or as far as I want and it gives me some sort of structure to follow.
I won’t be over stretching, nor will I be trying to do the splits… it’s not something that appeals to me
Now I just need to find that Facebook ad! Im sure it can’t be far away!
Free on youtube, Dr Eric Goodman Foundation Training.
You can send me the $27 instead cheers.
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