Expert: Kelly Fitzpatrick - 10/29/2006

Question
Hi again!
What sort of stretches for both?
Claire
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The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
Have you got any tips for getting a scorpian and a heel stretch?
Thanks heaps!
Claire
-----Answer-----
Stretch, Stretch, and Stretch some more!

The reasons that certain cheerleaders can perform scorpions but not heel stretches (or vise versa) is due to the fact that each skill requires different parts of your body to be flexible! To improve your scorpions work on your back flexibility. To improve on your heel stretch work on your leg flexibility.

If you need anything else just let me know!

Answer
Hi Claire!

For your Heel stretch I would recommend working on your splits, straddle stretches, or having a friend hold your heel stretch leg up as high as you can for 30 seconds. For the latter, gradually go higher and higher until you are at where you would like your heel stretch to be. Be careful not to over extend though, you don't want to pull a muscle. Only go to where you are comfortable with.

For scorpions I would recommend doing a lot of backbends. Try to walk your hands as close to your feet as you can in your backbend without it hurting.

Good luck! I hope this helps!
Kelly