I'm 39 and not flexible at all. I've been practicing MA for a few months but can not do a split or high kick. Would it help to practice yoga?
2006-06-30 07:55:36 · 13 answers · asked by spartanchief 2 in Sports ➔ Martial Arts
Yes, the main muscles to stretch to do a split and high kick are your hamstrings, your adductors, and your hip flexors and hip rotators.
For hamstrings, do poses like uttanasana (standing forward bend), supta padangusthasana (reclined big toe), janu sirsasana (head to knee forward bend) and paschimottanasana (intense west stretch).
To stretch your adductors, do virabhadrasana II (warrior II), prasarita padottanasana (intense spread leg stretch), badha konasana (bound angle), and upavista konasana (open angle).
To open your hips do eka pada rajakopatasana (pigeon pose). This is actually a half-split. Do the beginner's variation as pictured here http://www.yogajournal.com/newtoyoga/1808_1.cfm
With time, patience and practice, perhaps you will be able to to do hanumasana (monkey pose, more commonly known as the split).
Other poses mentioned above can be found in yoga books or try this link
http://www.yogajournal.com/poses/index.cfm?ctsrc=tnav
Please consult a doctor before starting any new fitness regimen or exercise. Make sure you do yoga under the supervision of a qualified yoga instructor.
2006-07-01 15:21:52 · answer #1 · answered by eatyourtofu 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Nope. Yoga is *extremely* dangerous. Most yoga teachers lead poses no one should do, like the Yoga Plough, Cobra, Shoulderstand, etc.
Look for a conventional flexibility class, taught by someone knowledgeable in exercise physiology. Stay away from yoga teachers even if they are trained in exercise physiology. The vast majority of yoga teachers believe what their gurus/teachers taught them and willfully ignore scientific information.
2006-07-04 09:02:25 · answer #2 · answered by Victoria 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
TOTALLY! Yoga is excellent for flexibility and great for relaxation. It helps to clear and refresh your mind, body and soul. Practice every day little by little and before you know it you will be doing the splits in the air.
2006-06-30 15:02:06 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yoga will definetly help! Though alot younger than you(16 years old), i took yoga class and still do yoga at home and i am very flexible!
2006-06-30 15:00:17 · answer #4 · answered by Jill 4 · 0⤊ 1⤋
i think so but i have been in martial arts for about 2 years now and i am just able to do a split and when you are able to kick higher and the more flexible you are in that leg the more higher you can kick in that leg and the stronger thye only way you can do it is to strech a little at a time
2006-06-30 15:14:09 · answer #5 · answered by Neurosurgeon Freak 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
It will help a lot. I do yoga every day and I feel much better with it. It will help you relax and stretch. Try it!
2006-06-30 14:58:17 · answer #6 · answered by closeyoureyesandsaygoodbye 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes, but by the look on your avatars face you might end up releasing some of the gas your holding back so watch out.
2006-06-30 14:59:38 · answer #7 · answered by Kevin M 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋
For sure, you'll be flexible in no time if you learn yoga.
2006-06-30 14:59:01 · answer #8 · answered by masterchiefsgf 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Yes.
2006-06-30 14:57:44 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
yes it would yoga is not donne for that but it could help you if you practice regulary
2006-07-03 19:34:30 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋