AboutBrad Walker (The Stretch Coach) Expertise I'm more than happy to answer any questions relating to stretching and flexibility. Including how to use stretching to improve your athletic performance, prevent sports injury and aid in the recovery of sports injury.
Experience I'm an internationally recognized stretching and sports injury consultant with 20 years of practical experience in the health and fitness industry. And the founder of (The Stretching Institute).
Organizations Sports Medicine Australia
Publications I've written 5 books on stretching, flexibility and sports injury, including... The Stretching Handbook (ISBN: 978-0958109338), The Anatomy of Stretching (ISBN: 978-1556435966) and The Anatomy of Sports Injuries (ISBN: 978-1556436666). Plus, I've had numerous articles published at About.com, Athletes.com and BodyBuilding.com.
Education/Credentials I'm a health science graduate of the University of New England, with post graduate accreditations in athletics, swimming and triathlon coaching. I've worked with elite level and world champion athletes and I lecture for Sports Medicine Australia on injury prevention.
Past/Present Clients I've worked as assistant coach to Miles Stewart (World Champion Triathlete) and Mick Doohan (World 500cc Motorcycle Champion). Plus I've worked with countless other athletes from sports as diverse as roller-skating, squash, and cycling.
Question Hi Brad
(sorry for the long description!)
I'm desperate to take up stretching seriously, and I want to increase my flexibility drastically. Touching my toes is not enough, I want to touch my chest against my knees!... Others do it, so why can't I?
So basically, I'm a 26yr old guy who was never constantly active. I've tried stretching long ago and for quite a while, but never seen improvement. Not the slightest hint...so I got easily discouraged. Only recently I'm noticing that i'm feeling too many discomforts during everylife doings (tying shoes, picking object from floor) I got too old too early :(
Is it still possible for me to gain THAT maximum flexibility? I'm not pretending to get it overnight and I am willing to wear out myself if needed!
My current status is 5'7 for 68kg, thin, small bone structure suffering from minor scoliosis and kyphosis (some little degree, but it's there, does this effect and/or limit my flexy?) My Flexibility is totally zero, can't touch my toes, can hardly bend, my arms reach feels tight, etc etc
So as an eager starter, I bought Bob Anderson's Stretching book and also Thomas Kurz's but i'm kinda lost.
What is the fastest way to gain flexibility? (Dynamic / Static / PNF etc)
I also bought one of those chair-like-machines to help in stretch, just to be sure to have support
Hope to hear from you soon
-Dave
Answer Hi Dave,
Thanks for your inquiry. It's a pleasure to help and I hope the following is beneficial.
Firstly congratulations for taking that first step towards improving your health, fitness and flexibility.
We have a number of Free research articles which will help you in getting started and to sort out which Stretches you should be doing.
For improving your range of movement try PNF and Active Isolated Stretching.
You may like to considering The Stretching Handbook, it has 135 unique stretching exercises.
Also it contains valuable information on The rules for stretching safely and How to stretch properly. For more information please visit our website at the link below:
I hope the above has been helpful. For more information on how to stretch properly and the best stretching exercises for you, visit www.TheStretchingInstitute.com
Brad Walker
Founder & CEO
The Stretching Institute
