Flexibility After 40

 

In Taekwondo stretching is the key to increased range of motion, easier movement, and injury prevention

How do you maintain your flexibility at your age?

 

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Tae Kwon Do is practiced by 70 million people in 180 different countries. If everyone who studied Tae Kwon Do joined hands, they could form a line that would stretch around the globe 1.25 times!

I make sure that I stretch lightly before any workout, and stretch harder afterwards when the muscles are warm. I also keep hydrated, hydrated muscle is more flexible.

I don't worry about being able to do the splits, I've never been able to do a full split, I'm not built for it (arthritis doesn't help). But I can throw a full power head level round kick, and my axe kick is almost vertical.

It's about active flexibility... what happens when you throw a kick.

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Raleigh NC, 1st Dan

NCBlackBelt wrote: I make sure that I stretch lightly before any workout, and stretch harder afterwards when the muscles are warm. I also keep hydrated, hydrated muscle is more flexible. I don't worry about being able to do the splits, I've never been able to do a full split, I'm not built for it (arthritis doesn't help). But I can throw a full power head level round kick, and my axe kick is almost vertical. It's about active flexibility... what happens when you throw a kick.

I think you've hit the nail on the head, here. We stretch to be able to kick better. Yet, flexibility aids over all health as well. Stretching before every workout is key. I'm amazed at how many athletes don't. I've talked with daily runners that never give it a thought.

KickChick wrote:   In Taekwondo tretching is the key to increased range of motion, easier movement, and injury prevention How do you maintain your flexibility at your age?

You said in your very first statement KC!  Stretching!  I always tend to warm a bit before I do some generic stretching before class.  I will jump rope, run around the Dojang, etc.  Maybe 10 minutes to get the blood flowing and my limbs warmed up.  Then I stretch.  Concentrating on the muscles so important for us in class.  My calves being one of the muscles I concentrate on since I actually had a small tear happen one night (Yyyyyy ouch!).  I stretch my lower back, my hips, my hamstrings, my shoulders, neck, and wrists.  All of this before class.  We start class w/ some normal warmups and then get more stretching in.  This time, I usually have a partner to help me out. 

After class is when I tend to push a bit more and work on major flexibility.  My muscles are all warmed up and a bit tired.  I will do splits (Front and Side), I will have a partner stretch my legs while I stand and while I am lying flat on my back.  I strech all angles front, side, and back.  ALL OF MY STRETCHING IS STATIC OR SLOW increase in the ROM.  I never have been a big fan of dynamic stretching. 

As NCBlackBelt stated, I stay well hydrated through out the day and especially during class.  On average, I easily drink a gallon and 1/2 of water a day. 

Narc

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Old enough to know better; Dumb enough to keep going!

Yep - Stretching before AND after Training. Our whole class do it, not just the "older" students!

I have recovered a substantial amount of flexibility over the last five years, paricularly in my legs, so I feel pretty decent in the flexibility area as I head into my forty first birthday next week.  I do find that I have to watch my diet more or my overall performance suffers.  This is probably the biggest change for me since I was younger.  Back in my twenties, I had explosive energy, stayed thin, and ate Philly cheese steaks all day.  Now I need to be just a bit more careful.  I still don't put on weight, but I can feel the difference when I don't eat right.

Daniel

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교사 Yidan kumdo, Ildan taekwondo

Does anyone take glucosamine/chondroitin ???

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Tae Kwon Do is practiced by 70 million people in 180 different countries. If everyone who studied Tae Kwon Do joined hands, they could form a line that would stretch around the globe 1.25 times!

KickChick wrote: Does anyone take glucosamine/chondroitin ???

i take it religiously, I have osteoarthritis in both hips, Glucosamine/Chodroitin/MSN has been instrumental in keeping me in the game. It is however only a temporary solution. 

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Raleigh NC, 1st Dan

KickChick wrote: Does anyone take glucosamine/chondroitin ???

*raises hand* I do!!!!! I started pre-emptively (is that a word) a number of years ago. TKD, competitive kickboxing, boxing & running have taken their toll. I haven't had many problems & I intend to keep it that way for as long as I can.