How do I increase flexibility? Particularly my hamstrings.?!
Question: I stretch every day, but it doesn't seem to do any good. My hamstrings are so inflexible. I am in fairly decent shape, but I can't even touch my toes without bending my knees. I do Yoga and the instructor says "over time, you will be able to stretch futher". But she must've been lying, because I've been doing it for months and I can't stretch a centimeter farther than I could when I started. I'm trying to incorporate all aspects of fitness into my workouts and I've seen noticeable improvements in both my strength and my cardio endurance, but my flexibility has not improved one tiny bit. What's wrong with me? How can I fix it?
Answers: I stretch every day, but it doesn't seem to do any good. My hamstrings are so inflexible. I am in fairly decent shape, but I can't even touch my toes without bending my knees. I do Yoga and the instructor says "over time, you will be able to stretch futher". But she must've been lying, because I've been doing it for months and I can't stretch a centimeter farther than I could when I started. I'm trying to incorporate all aspects of fitness into my workouts and I've seen noticeable improvements in both my strength and my cardio endurance, but my flexibility has not improved one tiny bit. What's wrong with me? How can I fix it?
There is nothing wrong with you. Actually stretching is the best way to become flexible. When I was in high school I took dance and we started off the year by stretching. One thing we would do daily was sit down with our legs apart and stretch. We had a hardwood floor so we would count the boards we were able to reach and we had to try to beat that each week or by the end of the week. Within months I became flexible and was even able to do the splits which I was never able to do. If I try now I won't be able to since it's been 16 years, but i know if I start stretching I will. Like others have said, having a partner is a good idea. Good Luck!
Try partner assisted stretching. Explaining it here without pics would be difficult and awkward, just search it and you should find several types. To put it simply, the other person is applying the pressure of the stretch and allows you to stretch further than you would on your own. Also, try holding the stretches a little longer, or stretching more often in a day.
First off nothing is wrong with you.
Have you ever had someone else like a trainer help you stretch? I see that you are in Yoga and there are people there but have you had someone stretch you? This could help. In my football days we would pair up and have someone help us stretch. This made even the least flexible person more flexible. Try using weights to strengthen your hammies. Remember do not bounce when you stretch. Another thing that works well is using a weight to help pull your body down to get a better stretch.
I hope this helps...