have my muscles reached their limmit in flexibilty???

Question

okay i stretch twice a day EVERY DAY! i have noticed in the splits position, i cannot go any further than certain level, even on my best days. i have not gotten any more flexibility in months. im 19 so its not as if im old, im just wondering if i will ever be able to do the perfect splits, or have my mumscles reached their FULL range of motion

i use alot of diffrent stretches, splits side to side and middle, standing stretches, toe touches (or sould i say, palms to my toes) (i also stretch my shoulders and sides)
its a little discouraging thinking that ill never be able to get any further

Answer 1

While 19 is not old (I am 54) you start to lose your flexibility in early adolescence. So you are literally trying to get back something that you have been losing for several years now. Heredity also has some impact on this since some people are born with more flexibility than others. I only mention this so that you have better perspective on things like I have and I am much more flexible than when I was in high school. I would work on my lower back and hips if I was you since much of your hamstring and groin muscle groups interact with them and help determine how flexible you can become. Also slow static and dynamic stretching should be investigated. Yoga and the stretching and some of the postures that they do are extremely good for this so investigate that as well as maybe going and watching a class or two to pick up some pointers. If you do you will also learn that your breathing and how you breath is very important when stretching. Also some people her have suggested partner stretching which can also benefit you some but the knowledge will benefit you even more. If you do all this I think you will see progress and be able to do the American splits and get down to four inches off the floor like this old man can still do.

Answer 2

You need to do some partner stretches, while you think you are stretching to your limit usually you can be pushed further, when you do the splits have a partner come up and spread your legs more, when you touch your toes have someone push your back, the full range of motion should look like you are double jointed, it might be too late for you to be like one of those chinese acrobats but Im sure you will be able to do the splits, at least with your feet faceing the front

Its going to hurt and be uncomfertable but dont let it get you down, Im a 21 yr old guy and iv just got the splits down, I can only do them when im warmed up but im still working on it and more and more I can do them even when my muscles are cold so there shouldnt be any physiological reason for you not to eventually be able to do them

Answer 3

When you stretch, do you stretch using different routines and/or do you stretch all of your muscles, ligaments, and tendons or do you just do a set range based on a certain number of stretches?

Your limitation may not be in your muscles but rather in your hip joints.

-- amendment --

Don't ever push yourself further than your body wants to go. At least, not during stretches. That's a great way to tear something.

It sounds like you have a good system down. I'd have to agree with the others in that you should consult your instructor or a fitness advisor.

Answer 4

This is not what you want to hear, but...It doesn't matter if you can do splits or not, unless you are just in this for show, or for the pride of saying "I can do splits!" If you can effectively perform the technique you've learned, and if you can effectively spar with higher belts and defend yourself, who cares if you don't split all the way down? Make your practice about being the best you can be within the your own physical talents. If you are meant to be more flexible, it will come in time, just keep up what you are doing (you are obviously dedicated) and see what happens. No rush.

Also...some of it is just in your genes; you have things that your body can and can't do, and if you can touch your palms to the floor, well, that is pretty flexible already.

Answer 5

I don't think anyone could know if your muscles have reached their limit by reading your post.

However, even if you have reached a physical limit of one technique, there's always alternatives. I would suggest:

1. Talk with your instructor after class about your goals. He or she can help a lot to assess your progress.

2. Vary your stretching routine. Find new stretches, change the warm-up and/or cool down part, stretch with a new partner, stretch at a different time of day, or focus on another area of your body instead of splits.

Good luck!

Answer 6

There are many factors that affect flexibility. There are some physical limitations due to hip size, spine length and body distribution. Generally women are more flexible than men, but all people can continually gain flexibilty through slow stretches. Stretching requires that your muscles relax, so any fast movement or bouncing is couterproductive. When studying the martial arts, you become aware of more efficient use of muscles. This helps to gain flexibility. That and deep relaxation. It keeps coming, but as you become more flexible the gains become smaller.

Answer 7

Have you tried the Jean Claude Van Damme technique of tying your legs to coconut trees while an old man pulls the ropes to stretch you out? You'll never know if you've reached your stretching limits until you've had a crazy old man stretch you, tempt you with his cute daughter, and drop coconuts on your abs.

In other words, get a workout partner who will literally push you further than your own strength will allow.

Answer 8

You should try partner assisted PNF stretching.

http://mysite.orange.co.uk/tomari/pnf.html

http://www.martinvidic.com/martinvidic_en/flash_mavi/stretching_pnf_stretching_proprioceptive_neuromuscular_facilitation.html

It should allow you to push past your current limit, as it takes advantage of the stretched state of your muscle and allows you to stretch it further.

Check out the links or PNF stretching in general, I think you could see some real results.