Martial arts have grown in popularity over the years, and just as programs differ, the martial arts stretching requirements for them differ, also. Taekwondo, northern shaolin and savate all have many movements requiring extremely  high kicks, and so flexibility stretching programs for them should emphasize stretching the legs, increasing the flexibility in hamstrings and hips; however, in the grappling arts the flexibility stretches would focus more on the core body and arms. A newcomer to martial arts should focus on overall flexibility, and develop more customized martial arts stretching program as advancement in the program is achieved.

There are basic rules that should apply to any martial arts stretching program. Following are several tips to make your program of flexibility stretches as effective and safe as possible:

1.  The Morning Stretch

Do your martial arts stretching as part of your morning routine, to further maximize your progress. Morning flexibility stretches are best performed before breakfast and should take fifteen to thirty minutes total. Be sure to include a warm up, a few dynamic type stretches and a cool down. Static, isometric or PNF stretches should be set aside for your primary stretching workout because they are too taxing to your muscles and are harder to recover from. Although it is a commitment to do a stretching workout in the morning, you’ll find that  the benefits are amazing.

2.  Warm Up Exercises

A dual warm-up procedure is an important part of a martial arts stretching workout. Begin with general calisthenics to increase blood flow and body temperature. The specific warm up will have dynamice flexibility stretches that will mimic the movements of your martial art and will specifically help you attain the flexibility you need for the movements. In order to loosen up and prevent injury, an appropriate warm-up is especially critical in the morning. You should move from the specific warm-up to the main part of your stretching routine which addresses the particular flexibility needs of your style in greater focus and effort.

3.  Cooling Down

After the main martial arts stretching routine, it’s time to cool down. You’ll find that your cool down will look not dissimilar from your warm up, as you need to get blood flowing to your muscles to help them adjust.

4.  Safety

Health and skill development is the whole idea of a martial arts stretching routine. However, injuing your muscle system, skeletal system or connective tissues can not only slow down your progress, it can also cause you to quit the program. Follow these hints to keep your flexibility stretches safe.

    * Always, always, always consult your doctor before beginning any stretching program or training routine. You will not only proceed with more safety, your peace of mind will enable greater progress when you have the OK from your medical professional.

    *    Don’t ever do flexibility stretches that cause you any pain. As the muscles lengthen you may feel warmth, or a slight burning, but it is important to know that you should never feel pain. Even a small amount of pain can signal muscular or connective issue injury and puts you at greater risk of permanent damage to your body. Moderate or severe pain while stretching should be reported to your doctor.

    *  Bouncing, rhythmic and bobbing motions should be avoided when performing your martial arts stretching. This method of stretching is known as ballistic stretching and the risks of damage or injury are not worth any gains in flexibility these movements may bring.

 

I invite you to visit http://www.martialartsstretching.com to complete your knowledge of the newest scientific martial arts stretching methods, routines and flexibility stretches needed to rapidly increase the flexibility required to master any form of martial art.

Marshal Jones
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