Steps to improve flexibility

    It's amazing watching an experienced karate practitioner throw a beautiful high kick over their own head. How flexible they must be! Martial artists are often known for their flexibility. But, flexibility isn't just important to performing incredible karate techniques. It also helps protect your body from injury and improves the range of motion of your joints as a whole.
    I sometimes hear adults say to me, I've never been flexible, even as a child, how could I possibly increase my flexibility now? I smile as I recall that I couldn't even touch my toes as a child but today, as an adult, I can do the splits. Flexibility can be learned and achieved at any age. While some people are naturally more limber than others, a stretching routine can allow any student to make progress in personal flexibility.
    In karate, one of the most talked about indicators of flexibility are the splits. There are two different types of "splits"  -- the side splits and front splits.

• Side splits are performed by extending the legs to the left and right of the torso. They are sometimes called straddle splits, middle splits, Chinese splits, box splits or center splits. In the photo, Gavin, is demonstrating the side splits.
• Front splits are performed by extending one leg forward and the other leg to the rear of the torso. A front split is named according to the leg that is extended forward (e.g., the right leg is extended forward when executing a right split).

    To increase your limberness, start with a consistent training routine that incorporates stretching exercises into the routine.  Stretching exercises aid in joint and ligament flexibility. When you stretch the body constantly changes based on the resistance it encounters. If you stretch on a habitual basis, your body will become more limber. If you choose to lead a more sedentary lifestyle in place of stretching or exercise, the body will quickly adjust and result in a decreased range of motion and muscle loss. Many health and fitness experts recommend stretching at least three times a week to improve flexibility and to see positive benefits of a stretching routine. 
    I have included a couple of videos that demonstrate some excellent stretches specifically for performing the splits. Try utilizing these in your own personal stretching routine. Before long, you too may be doing the splits! 

If you are having trouble viewing the videos, here are the direct links to the YouTube versions:
http://youtu.be/8Yd4Iag-dEA
http://youtu.be/ywFJIdTSDIQ

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I am not being endorsed by or promoting the people in these videos. I have no affiliation with them. The videos were screened and approved for use on this blog based solely on the benefit found in the techniques demonstrated. On Nov. 28, 2012 the videos were found to contain appropriate content  for the topic of this blog. As the videos are linked to from YouTube, and can be changed by the owners of the videos at anytime, I am not responsible for any changes or deletions made by the owners. If you find the videos no longer work or are not meaningful to this blog, please contact Vashon Borich.