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 QUESTION: I'm 26. 140lbs and pretty fit. I have never been able to do a split, but then I did not do it on a daily basis. Could my expectations be too high? I like to lift weights, what kind and when do you recommend doing stretches?
Thank you
ANSWER: Hi Robert
Thanks for your inquiry. It's a pleasure to help and I hope the following is beneficial.
PNF Stretching is one of the most effective forms of stretching for improving your flexibility quickly and permanently. Especially for the groin and hamstring, which are important for the splits.You can find more detailed information about how to perform PNF stretches at the link below... http://www.thestretchinghandbook.com/archives/pnf-stretching.php
Also, try to do most of your flexibility training at the end of your work-outs as part of your cool-down. This will help to improve your flexibility permanently.
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 %26 CEO
The Stretching Institute
---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------
QUESTION: Would you recommend stretching right after a heavy lifting session with free weights? I was never sure whether I should give my muscle some rest before stretching it hard.
Answer Hi Robert
No, I don't recommend that you launch straight into a hard stretching session straight after your work out. Any stretching that you do after your session should be done as part of a structured cool down routine. Here's a few guidelines... http://www.thestretchinghandbook.com/archives/cool-down.php
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 %26 CEO
The Stretching Institute
