Flexibility training... must it take so long?

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AutumnPolitics

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Hello.

My textbook that I have been using to learn flexibility training suggests that each exercise should be repeated three times to reinforce the imprint on the neuromuscular system.

The problem is that when stretching every muscle group in the body, repeating each exercise three times takes a long time. This is what kills my motivation to train flexibility - the length of time it takes.

I realise I can't have everything my way if I want to achieve a goal, but is it absolutely nescessary to repeat each exercise, what difference is there between doing a stretch once and doing it twice, or three times?
 
repetition. you can't speed it up by taking short cuts.

people who can do the splits started their flexibility training at early ages, and continued to train it their entire life.

you can't grow big muscles by doing one repetition either.

Muscles have to be conditioned to be more flexible, and that takes repetition.
 
Thanks malkore, I see what you're saying. For my entire life my brain has automatically used 'safety mechanisms' to prevent my muscles stretching too far, I guess these 'safety mechanisms' are not going be trained away overnight.

That said, any real, significant, changes in flexibility would take years of training, every single day right? If it took 22 years for my brain to learn to prevent flexibility, it should take 22 years to 'unlearn' this adaptation, right?

Either way, it is a long, long term commitment, it seems. We're talking 5, 10, maybe more, years right?
 
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it won't take that long. the body is amazing when it comes to adapting. just keep at it and you will meet your goals.
 
OK I am far from an expert, but I have been using the gym "power plate" to stretch out my muscles after a cardio session. I originally planned to use the powerplate as its the only way I can force myself to stretch for anything over 20 seconds per each 6 or 8 stretches!! (Not good for a 2 hour workout -I know I need to stretch way morw!)

I have noticed that since using the powerplate, my maybe shinsplints maybe tendonitis in my calves/side of my shins is alot better and more then that, I have improved flexibility.

I don't buy any of the cr@p about it making ppl lose weight, but I do think the strong vibrations forcing you to clench and unclench your muscles unconciously does do something to gain more flexibility and I'd say within the first 5 sessions you do notice a difference.

Just wish I could have one in my home so as to avoid the queues at the gym!
 
malkore said:
it won't take that long. the body is amazing when it comes to adapting. just keep at it and you will meet your goals.
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Hey I see what you mean now. I've been doing full-body flexibility for at least 1 month straight now, 1.5 hours a day every single day(with the occaisional day off here and there). The results are amazing.

I feel so light on my feet, when walking my body just glides along effortlessly when I used to feel 'stiff' all the time. Everyday movements are so much easier now. After 1 year of training every day I can see the results will be fantastic.

Definitely understand why it's suggested as a core part of any training program.
 
its best to do it in the morning and then later in the day, like say after dinner. This sort of reminds the body 'to be flexible'.
 
blindside said:
its best to do it in the morning and then later in the day, like say after dinner. This sort of reminds the body 'to be flexible'.
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Agreed, that would would be ideal. Especially since doing it all at once tends to become quite tiring, both physically and mentally. I hope to someday find the motivation to do it first thing in the morning, since I hate the mornings. :violent2:
 
Doing flexibility training regularly can make you more flexible in no time. I did it, so you can do it too.
 
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