How far can you stretch?

Group: General Fitness & Exercise

Created: 2011/12/31, Members: 382, Messages: 54581

Various general exercise related discussions. Find out what it takes to reach your fitness goals through daily effective exercise. With so many options we try to find out what works best.

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ky151 Posts: 74 Joined: 2004/01/20	2004/01/20, 04:47 PM I am working on a fitness project relating to flexibility and I wanted to see how many people could actually sit with their feet up against a wall, reach forward keeping your knees straight and touch the wall with your palms. After trying this twice, I could only touch the wall with my finger tips. Damn my hams are tight! I have alot of stretching to do.

hecdarec Posts: 2,457 Joined: 2003/12/16	2004/01/20, 05:12 PM I can touch the wall with both palms and it felt good to stretch those hammies. -------------- Hec da Rec in full effect.
Taurie Posts: 374 Joined: 2003/10/15	2004/01/20, 06:08 PM I can't today...my hams are very sore...I'll try again in a couple days.
ky151 Posts: 74 Joined: 2004/01/20	2004/01/20, 07:28 PM I'm not that sore today, I just can't stretch like I want to. I've never been that flexible, but I'm trying to increase my flexibility. I find that most people can't touch the wall. Interesting... ============ Quoting from taurie: I can't today...my hams are very sore...I'll try again in a couple days. =============
ky151 Posts: 74 Joined: 2004/01/20	2004/01/21, 08:41 AM I just had people in the office try it...most people could only get to their shoelaces.
k1972pat Posts: 154 Joined: 2003/06/10	2004/01/21, 08:51 AM I can do it for a couple seconds but it really starts pulling right behind my kneecaps and the hams.
ky151 Posts: 74 Joined: 2004/01/20	2004/01/21, 09:13 AM How far were you able to reach? ============ Quoting from k1972pat: I can do it for a couple seconds but it really starts pulling right behind my kneecaps and the hams. =============
agamble Posts: 1,029 Joined: 2003/09/22	2004/01/21, 09:41 AM I can touch the wall with the knuckles of my hand. Like making a fist. And I would appreciate it if you wouldn't ask me to do it again.
ky151 Posts: 74 Joined: 2004/01/20	2004/01/21, 09:49 AM LOL!!! Come on, it wasn't that bad! ============ Quoting from agamble: I can touch the wall with the knuckles of my hand. Like making a fist. And I would appreciate it if you wouldn't ask me to do it again. =============
ky151 Posts: 74 Joined: 2004/01/20	2004/01/21, 01:24 PM anyone else try it?
yadmit Posts: 4,670 Joined: 2003/10/05	2004/01/21, 02:25 PM Ow ow ow.... people can actually do this? Oh man.... good on 'em.. if I drop a pencil, I know who to ask... wow... anyhoo... I managed to touch the wall with my finger tips... but (here come the excuses) I just had lunch and I'm wearing jeans... haha -------------- Tim "I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who conquers his enemies, for the hardest victory is over self." Aristotle
Taurie Posts: 374 Joined: 2003/10/15	2004/01/21, 02:27 PM Hams are still too tight...maybe by the weekend. I'm sure I can do it but, it's been a while...I'll let you know.
ky151 Posts: 74 Joined: 2004/01/20	2004/01/21, 02:30 PM i know it's tough...i'm putting together a flexibility program that should be beneficial to everyone...generally speaking, males are tighter in the lower back/hamstring area than femals. ============ Quoting from TimDay: Ow ow ow.... people can actually do this? Oh man.... good on 'em.. if I drop a pencil, I know who to ask... wow... anyhoo... I managed to touch the wall with my finger tips... but (here come the excuses) I just had lunch and I'm wearing jeans... haha =============
ky151 Posts: 74 Joined: 2004/01/20	2004/01/21, 03:13 PM thanks taurie... ============ Quoting from taurie: Hams are still too tight...maybe by the weekend. I'm sure I can do it but, it's been a while...I'll let you know. =============
hecdarec Posts: 2,457 Joined: 2003/12/16	2004/01/21, 03:39 PM When you get this program together send me a copy. I am looking to improve my flexbility. ============ Quoting from ky151: i know it's tough...i'm putting together a flexibility program that should be beneficial to everyone...generally speaking, males are tighter in the lower back/hamstring area than femals. ============= -------------- Hec da Rec in full effect.
fryer91 Posts: 441 Joined: 2003/09/29	2004/01/21, 04:34 PM Knuckles to the wall, but I want to be like the super hero in the Bible; RUBBERMAN- Yep! Tied his ass to a tree and walked into town he did.
ky151 Posts: 74 Joined: 2004/01/20	2004/01/21, 04:43 PM I will...just let me know what areas you are most interested in improving in terms of flexibility. ============ Quoting from hecdarec: When you get this program together send me a copy. I am looking to improve my flexbility. =============
trippmac Posts: 5 Joined: 2003/06/24	2004/01/21, 05:16 PM No problem....but then again, I am a 1st Dan in tae kwon do. We spend about 20 to 30 minutes stretching in a 1 hour class. Here is a great way to stretch those hammys. Get a belt and sit on the floor with your legs straight out in front of you. Now grab one end of the belt with your left hand and the other end with your right hand. Throw the belt around the bottom of your feet and pull your self forward. You'll get a hell of a stretch and you'll be touching the wall and floor in no time. After you can do that, try to touch your nose to your knee. Keep on stretch'in!
ky151 Posts: 74 Joined: 2004/01/20	2004/01/21, 05:27 PM you're right...that's a hell of a stretch...i felt that in my lower back and my hammies...that really burns! ============ Quoting from trippmac: No problem....but then again, I am a 1st Dan in tae kwon do. We spend about 20 to 30 minutes stretching in a 1 hour class. Here is a great way to stretch those hammys. Get a belt and sit on the floor with your legs straight out in front of you. Now grab one end of the belt with your left hand and the other end with your right hand. Throw the belt around the bottom of your feet and pull your self forward. You'll get a hell of a stretch and you'll be touching the wall and floor in no time. After you can do that, try to touch your nose to your knee. Keep on stretch'in! =============
Reddy Posts: 597 Joined: 2003/09/11	2004/01/21, 06:45 PM I could touch the wall with my knuckles - I heard of rope/ribbon strech before, saw an ad where they were using the bands for it -------------- Reddy All people smile in the same language
ky151 Posts: 74 Joined: 2004/01/20	2004/01/21, 09:33 PM i think i've seen the same ad...i have a stretch cord but i don't use it that often... ============ Quoting from Reddy: I could touch the wall with my knuckles - I heard of rope/ribbon strech before, saw an ad where they were using the bands for it =============
ky151 Posts: 74 Joined: 2004/01/20	2004/01/22, 10:35 AM Rubberman...that's funny! One day, we'll get there...keep stretching. ============ Quoting from fryer91: Knuckles to the wall, but I want to be like the super hero in the Bible; RUBBERMAN- Yep! Tied his ass to a tree and walked into town he did. =============
Jdelts Posts: 1,218 Joined: 2003/10/19	2004/01/22, 10:47 PM I can't reach my ass to wipe it anymore...is that bad? Or am I just so massive?!!!! JOKE...I'm not very flexable but I've been working on it. -------------- May the lift be with you.
dogboy99nz Posts: 40 Joined: 2003/04/20	2004/01/22, 10:50 PM Yup, after a bit of a warm-up I can do it - I've been going to yoga for a while now and it's helping with the lack of flexibilty that can build up. -------------- Aaron
ky151 Posts: 74 Joined: 2004/01/20	2004/01/23, 09:52 AM LOL...it's a work in progress for me as well...man this is tougher than i thought! ============ Quoting from jdelts: I can't reach my ass to wipe it anymore...is that bad? Or am I just so massive?!!!! JOKE...I'm not very flexable but I've been working on it. =============
shavondec Posts: 340 Joined: 2003/11/26	2004/01/23, 01:44 PM Me too, I was looking for a stretching routine. ============ Quoting from hecdarec: When you get this program together send me a copy. I am looking to improve my flexbility. ============= -------------- It's not what we eat or drink occasionally, but what we consume on a daily basis that determines our ongoing level o health. formerfatguy.com Not sure of author
yadmit Posts: 4,670 Joined: 2003/10/05	2004/01/23, 01:48 PM Ditto! ============ Quoting from shavondebrown: Me too, I was looking for a stretching routine. ============= -------------- Tim "I count him braver who overcomes his desires than him who conquers his enemies, for the hardest victory is over self." Aristotle
nerraw Posts: 236 Joined: 2003/03/09	2004/01/23, 02:49 PM after three days finally got there....only with my knuckles though...
INTRUDER Posts: 642 Joined: 2002/06/27	2004/01/23, 03:08 PM Dont try this w/out a good warm-up, good way to get a low back injury. Stretching is also more effective after your work-outs. -------------- "Get everthing you want--just make a little change now"
ky151 Posts: 74 Joined: 2004/01/20	2004/01/23, 03:12 PM Intruder is absolutely correct. You don't want to try this the first thing in the morning. Do a little warmup and try it a couple of times. It took me a little while before my knuckles could touch the wall! ============ Quoting from Intruder: Dont try this w/out a good warm-up, good way to get a low back injury. Stretching is also more effective after your work-outs. =============
Taurie Posts: 374 Joined: 2003/10/15	2004/01/23, 05:33 PM I'm still sore from Monday's workout. I tried again last night after workout...hams still feel tight but my knuckles reached the wall. By Sunday I should be able to get a little further.
ky151 Posts: 74 Joined: 2004/01/20	2004/01/24, 12:08 AM no problem...thanks for trying. ============ Quoting from taurie: I'm still sore from Monday's workout. I tried again last night after workout...hams still feel tight but my knuckles reached the wall. By Sunday I should be able to get a little further. =============
MyCoffeeGirl Posts: 121 Joined: 2003/12/04	2004/01/24, 12:02 PM Question - if you are sitting, trying to touch the wall - wouldn't that be testing more your flexibility AND your muscle strength? For instance, when I try it sitting, I come about 2 inches from even touching the wall (yes - I am THAT inflexible), but when I'm standing, using gravity to help me down, my fingertips can touch the ground. -------------- ~~~~~~~ROXIE~~~~~~~ http://www.mycoffeegirl.com
ky151 Posts: 74 Joined: 2004/01/20	2004/01/26, 08:47 AM i don't think this test would involve any muscle strength....if anything, it may test your abdominal strength...the force of gravity is just assisting you in the stretch process...much like partner stretching. ============ Quoting from MyCoffeeGirl: Question - if you are sitting, trying to touch the wall - wouldn't that be testing more your flexibility AND your muscle strength? For instance, when I try it sitting, I come about 2 inches from even touching the wall (yes - I am THAT inflexible), but when I'm standing, using gravity to help me down, my fingertips can touch the ground. =============
cobra93 Posts: 131 Joined: 2003/10/20	2004/01/26, 08:51 AM I can do it without any pain in the lower back or hams.....but it kills the calf area, basically all the way from the knee to the ankle....hmmmmmm
ky151 Posts: 74 Joined: 2004/01/20	2004/01/26, 10:52 AM wow...that's a first...i'll mark that on my chart...thanks! ============ Quoting from cobra93: I can do it without any pain in the lower back or hams.....but it kills the calf area, basically all the way from the knee to the ankle....hmmmmmm =============
ky151 Posts: 74 Joined: 2004/01/20	2004/01/26, 05:40 PM Thanks neoV3! ============ Quoting from neov3: i can only just touch the wall =============
ky151 Posts: 74 Joined: 2004/01/20	2004/01/27, 11:38 AM Make sure you don't overstretch...only reach to the point of mild discomfort. ============ Quoting from cobra93: I can do it without any pain in the lower back or hams.....but it kills the calf area, basically all the way from the knee to the ankle....hmmmmmm =============
kirby00 Posts: 238 Joined: 2002/11/05	2004/01/27, 12:10 PM Fingertips to the wall only. I've always been really unflexible. :(
TRad Posts: 94 Joined: 2004/01/03	2004/01/27, 03:15 PM I can touch my elbows to the wall, is that normal?? OH!!! with straight legs?! oh...well, mark another for fingertips only.
TRad Posts: 94 Joined: 2004/01/03	2004/01/27, 03:23 PM The Ninja Scientist has attained Popular Status...awwwwwwwyeahhhhhh!
ky151 Posts: 74 Joined: 2004/01/20	2004/01/27, 04:58 PM I was about to ask if you were Gumby!!!! Only to have that kind of flexibility.... ============ Quoting from trad: I can touch my elbows to the wall, is that normal?? OH!!! with straight legs?! oh...well, mark another for fingertips only. =============
dhurt55 Posts: 93 Joined: 2004/01/02	2004/01/27, 06:08 PM I could easily put my palms on the wall and hold it with no discomfort(TONS of hamstring stretching during football season) :) -------------- "Without Pains, there come no Gains" -Benjamin Franklin
bigandrew Posts: 5,146 Joined: 2002/10/21	2004/01/27, 06:13 PM Me big man, me no stretch, waste work out time lol No you would think me cheering i'd be flexable.....hahaha lol Only stretching my hams get is from deadlifts and sumo squatsand maybe some lunges!.......think last time i tried this i got my ankls -------------- ---andrew.......adversity causes some to break, but others to break records! LEAVE YOUR EGO AT THE DOOR!!
halfpint116 Posts: 189 Joined: 2003/12/29	2004/01/27, 06:34 PM I tried and I think I pulled everything from my hams up. I couldn't do it. Gosh, this is awful. I considered myself pretty flexible since I helped my husband build a truck from the frame up. Do you realize how much moving, bending and crawling there is to that? In, out, up and down, under and over.
ky151 Posts: 74 Joined: 2004/01/20	2004/01/27, 09:42 PM when i was an assistant athletic trainer in college, the football team did have a rigorous stretching routine.... ============ Quoting from dhurt55: I could easily put my palms on the wall and hold it with no discomfort(TONS of hamstring stretching during football season) :) =============
goodoldtex Posts: 564 Joined: 2004/01/25	2004/01/27, 11:32 PM Sweet crap. Got knuckles...for a few seconds before i felt the muscles behind my knees going "YES WE"RE HERE YOU ASSHOLE" But on a weird note....how is it that way, yet i can stretch the little bastards all the way behind my head into a human pretzel?
big_j_scf Posts: 308 Joined: 2003/11/08	2004/01/27, 11:51 PM I could do it fairly easily, and I squatted yesterday and am above average tght. I used to be really flexble, then lost it, but am working to get it back. I play college football and the season kind of makes you lose flexibility, but it is really important for speed.
ky151 Posts: 74 Joined: 2004/01/20	2004/01/28, 12:07 PM LOL!!! I guess if you're stretching like a human pretzel behind your head, you are not expanding your hamstrings to remain in a stright position. When you try the sit and reach test, your short hamstrings are trying to expand as long and far as possible, thus you feel it in the back of your knees as well. You are also working your lower back muscles as well which may be tight. ============ Quoting from goodoldtex: Sweet crap. Got knuckles...for a few seconds before i felt the muscles behind my knees going "YES WE"RE HERE YOU ASSHOLE" But on a weird note....how is it that way, yet i can stretch the little bastards all the way behind my head into a human pretzel? =============
ky151 Posts: 74 Joined: 2004/01/20	2004/01/28, 08:47 PM thanks alot! ============ Quoting from big_j_scf: I could do it fairly easily, and I squatted yesterday and am above average tght. I used to be really flexble, then lost it, but am working to get it back. I play college football and the season kind of makes you lose flexibility, but it is really important for speed. =============

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