Flexibility Training: Experiments

I love flexibility, and flexibility work.

Some people think it’s necessary. Others despise it. According to my observations, points of view are in great part related to the kind of physical discipline one is involved into. I’ve been into martial arts for many years, so following my theory, I guess my opinion of flexibility training is biased in favor of it.

In any case, it doesn’t matter: I love it. I love the feeling of freedom with oneself it provides. I love what it allows me to be able to do. They’re all the reasons I need to keep doing it.

The way I was taught flexibility is similar to most. Mostly static stretches, some minimal but present mobility movements; just go as far as you can.

Through the years I’ve learned to incorporate breathing and tension/relaxation, to recognize how my body reacts, how far is too far, etc. But basic methodology remained somewhat similar. I daresay I’ve had pretty nice results.

In the last few months, I’ve experimented with incorporating movement in my flexibility sessions. I’ve been looking for an inspiration on how to improve my flexibility practice ever since I oriented my training towards the Gym Movement concepts.

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My “lightbulb” inspiration came from Chaû Belle, during my Parkour seminar last Fall. His stretching sessions included routines that came from Indian roots, in which he transitioned from one stretching pose to another without necessarily turning on Yoga stuff. A compromise that really grew up on me.

My theory and impression is that exploring this approach will have a similar effect as Darryl’s very inspirational incorporation of movements in gymnastic holds.

Additionally, I think it may avoid Mike T‘s main bullet against static stretching (sorry, I can’t find the link I wanted to share with you), which basically says that its main problem is not teaching the body to be strong in these “flexible positions”.

So far, what I noticed about this practice is how I can make my body transition from a very tight state to a very nimble one, all the while following my body and having a very satisfying time. In the video shown above, I started my session with my joints feeling quite tight. I think the mobility progress over the span of time is definitely visible.

I haven’t tracked progress on a specific goal with it yet, simply because I haven’t put focus on that recently, except improving my approach.

Two goals I’ve had in mind for some time: Standing side split (looking forward, legs on the sides) in the air (e.g. on chairs), and effortlessly reaching/joining my hands behind my back. When I’ll focus again on flexibility goals, these will be my first in my list.