Flexability

wildbeanerz · 01-18-2012, 07:27 PM

I need some advice on flexability. Not for me but for my 14 yr old son. He is fairly fit. He is 5' 11" and about 140-145lbs. He wears a 32-34" waist jeans. He has decided that before gym class starts in a week or so that he wants to tone back up and get his abs showing again so he is getting up to work out with me in the mornings. I noticed today that he is very tight (for lack of a better word). He cannot reach his toes standing or seated.

Does anyone know of any exercises that would help to increase his flexability? He is resistant to doing 'yoga' as he calls some of my exercises that really help me with my balance and stretching. He likes to stick with weights, our home gym and punching his heavy bag.

handcycle2005 · 01-18-2012, 07:53 PM

At ExRx Exercise and Muscle Directory

Each muscle group includes several stretches with video illustrations.

When he's lifting, he should try for a full range of motion with each lift.

Just so you know, he's not alone. I coach high school cross country/track and there are few of the kids who can come anywhere close to their toes.

cjohnson728 · 01-18-2012, 09:09 PM

Funny you brought this up...mine just started PE this semester and although he is athletic, he has no flexibility. He came home the other day and said he got a zero on "sit and reach." Will def. check out the link.

almeeker · 01-19-2012, 02:02 AM

There is a Bob Harper video called "Yoga for the Warrior", $10 at Wal-Mart. The workout is with weights and lots of moves that look/feel like push-ups, and there isn't anything feminine about Bob Harper. When you finish that baby you are loose as a wet noodle, well until your muscles start seizing up anyway.

Hey do you have Netflix? There is a really interesting documentary about the world's foremost yogi, it's called Ashtanga, NY - A Yoga Documentary. After watching it, I wanted to follow guruji around the world, very very interesting stuff. In the US it's primarily women that do yoga, but that's not the case the world over, and the documentary is about a man and his grandson from India. Just watching the grandson practice Ashtanga yoga is unbelievable.

How does he feel about martial arts? Many of the moves for practicing that increase flexibility.

wildbeanerz · 01-19-2012, 06:51 PM

Exactly, Cassie. He got the same ZERO last year. And also one for jumping rope. He says he just can't do it.

Amy ... we don't have Netflix but that documentary sounds interesting. I might have to look up that DVD for him though. He would very much like to be enrolled in mixed martial arts classes or boxing. I honestly didn't see the benefits before but with my new lifestyle I see that changing. Now to try to work it in the budget and time allowances. It probably would help that the president of my company's division owns his own martial arts studio / gym and is the instructor. Hubba Hubba!! LOL