There are a great many stretching exercises, all of which have value. Stretching is without a doubt one of the most beneficial, general exercises one can do. It loosens the tightened, knotted, tensed muscles and tendons, which can inhibit circulation and relaxation. By increasing your flexibility has a direct, positive impact on your speed and ability in your training. This is especially true where high kicks are concerned. Here are some of the many stretching exercises we use in our class:
Neck Stretch: Stand normally, with your hands by your sides and breathe deeply letting your shoulders, arms and the whole body relax as much as possible. Let your head slowly fall forward until your chin touches your chest. Then bring your head back slowly until you are looking straight up at the ceiling. The next step is to move your neck slowly to the side until your head is resting your left shoulder then begin to move your neck slowly until your head is resting on your right shoulder. Do five in each direction.
Shoulder Roll:Stand normally, let your arms and hands hang down by your sides, bring up both shoulders as if you wanted to cover your ears. Then begin rotating your shoulders backwards, down, forwards and up in a complete circle. Now reverse the direction of the roll for another complete circle. Do five each direction.
Shoulder and Triceps Stretch: Stand normally, with your feet slightly wider apart knees slightly bent. Then put your right arm across your body parallel with your left shoulder and hold in place with your left hand for ten seconds then release. Then put your right hand behind your head and lower your hand down to touch the middle of your spine. Then hold the arm in place by putting your left hand onto your right elbow letting you right hand gently reach then middle of your back. Then hold for five to ten seconds. Then return to start position and change arms this time, and then repeat the exercise five times.
Please click onto the "Back, Side and Hip button" for more Stretching exercises
