I stretch, but don't become any more flexible. What do I do wrong?

Question

I do streching exercises every day, and have been doing that for some months now, but still I don't become any more flexible. And I am really stiff. I stretch each mussel for about 30 seconds. Does anyone know if there is something I have forgotten or if there is something I should have in mind?

Answer 1

Do you breathe deeply and then let the air out AS you are attempting the stretch? It helps get you through pain and stiffness. Also, you should not bounce when you stretch; that is not good for your muscles; slowly work your stretch a little further, while maintaining good breathing and you will eventually find it gets a little easier.

Also it depends on how old you are when you start stretching. I have been stretching regularly since teen years and, although my muscles feel stiff and hurt a LOT in later years, I find that I can still stretch despite the stiffness. A certain amount of pain is good and should be allowed for. I slowly count to ten in Japanese with each stretch, but I'm not sure if that is 30 seconds or not. It sounds like an adequate amount for a single stretch; however, I recommend doing each stretch multiple times to loosen your muscles before moving on to the next stretch.

I hope that helps! Also, one last note, be sure to maintain good posture during the stretches. If you become flexible and don't have stability, you'll be more prone to injury.

Answer 2

Have you considered an actual yoga routine? There are proper ways of stretching that may help. Also, do you mean you stretch each muscle (mussels are seafood) only once a day for 30 seconds? That's not going to work. Do patterns/repetitions.

When I do yoga/stretching repetitions, I notice the effect within a couple of weeks, but then, all body types are different.

Answer 3

it took me years to be able to do the splits. you just need to keep at it there is no tricks or easy answers mate. your body will let you know!