I'm 54 years old, fairly new (2+ years) into a yoga practice. I'm unable to open up enough to successfully do many of the poses; my muscles are not only tight but also actually shorter (from what a trusted massage therapist told me) shorter than the same muscles on other people, presumably because I've carried stress by tightening up all these years. I do believe in this practice, and the possibilities of actually opening up these muscles over time -- is this just delusional? [more inside]
posted by dancestoblue on Oct 27, 2009 - 23 answers

StretchingFilter: what am I doing wrong? I don't feel any "pull" from these stretches, or they happen in the wrong places or feel like real pain. [more inside]
posted by d. z. wang on Sep 10, 2009 - 11 answers

Seeking online resources that show you, visually, how to stretch your muscles, particularly upper-back/shoulders/neck area, to alleviate a pinched nerve. [more inside]
posted by not_on_display on Aug 27, 2009 - 3 answers

Better Breakdancing: How can I decrease my downtime from strenous practice sessions? I'd like to double the amount I train without risking injury or constant soreness. [more inside]
posted by ManyNinjas on May 2, 2009 - 9 answers

Help me design a stretching/exercise program to allow me to do the splits. What stretches should I be doing? How long should I hold the stretch? Any particular exercises I should be practicing? What's a reasonable timeframe for developing this skill? [more inside]
posted by philosophygeek on Jan 30, 2009 - 9 answers

Marathon training filter: How long has it taken you to recover from the symptoms of overuse and get back to your training plan? [more inside]
posted by activitystory on Aug 20, 2008 - 3 answers

I went to see my doctor yesterday for a running injury (IT band). He says that basically I'm fit but that I have the "flexibility of a two-by-four". He wants me to do a stretching regimen three times a day — more if possible. He showed me a couple of stretches, but I'd like to do more. Can you recommend any good individual stretches or stretching routines, especially for a novice runner (and especially for one having trouble with his IT band)? YouTube clips a HUGE plus. Yoga's fine, but there's now way in hell I can do the pigeon pose (I have the flexibility of a two-by-four, remember?).
posted by jdroth on Jun 17, 2008 - 18 answers

My own private gas crisis. Looking for a couple of simple stretches I can do. [more inside]
posted by loiseau on Jun 12, 2008 - 6 answers

Are there any good yoga/stretching DVDs for increasing flexibility? [more inside]
posted by lemonade on Jun 10, 2008 - 8 answers

Would having a baby change sex forever? (more info, not for the squeamish, inside) [more inside]
posted by Go, now. Go! on Jun 9, 2008 - 20 answers

Sometimes when I stretch my back, it kind of pops and hurts sharply, what's up with that? [more inside]
posted by T.D. Strange on May 22, 2008 - 3 answers

I could use some help loosening up for my return to cycling. [more inside]
posted by EatTheWeak on May 12, 2008 - 8 answers

Is there a way to stretch my quadriceps without bending my knees? [more inside]
posted by meerkatty on May 6, 2008 - 14 answers

I'm having a pretty standard tight pain in my shoulders (most likely due to stress), kind of like my shoulders are stuck in the tensed up shrug position. Can the hivemind recommend some remedies? I found some exercise sites from past posts, but anything would be helpful.
posted by miasma on Jan 14, 2008 - 17 answers

I planned to ask about finding low-cost help for depression. But I'm asking about joint pain instead. [more inside]
posted by EatTheWeak on Oct 28, 2007 - 23 answers

How do I un-tighten my super-tight hamstrings? Yes, I know you want to say "Stretch, fool!" but: [more inside]
posted by thehmsbeagle on Jul 12, 2007 - 23 answers

There is no stretching at my judo dojo. Shouldn't there be any, especially at the end of an intense session? [more inside]
posted by amusem on Apr 11, 2007 - 15 answers

We have a house we're going to make an offer on this weekend. There is one room upstairs which is VERY large (600 sq feet, about 18'x34'). The carpet has some "ripples" in it, as if it's not stretched tight enough. Is this something I can fix myself? Here is a picture of a ripple. [more inside]
posted by RustyBrooks on Apr 1, 2007 - 11 answers

Possibly NSFW question: How can I (a man) harden and stretch my nipples? [more inside]
posted by anonymous on Jan 17, 2007 - 9 answers

Has anyone had experience with the O'Connor Technique for treating back pain? (Any good stretches for the upper back would be a bonus) [more inside]
posted by Rc on Nov 15, 2006 - 1 answer

Recommendations for one-on-one intensive flexibility therapy in London. [more inside]
posted by ajp on Nov 15, 2006 - 7 answers

I have a tall-person slouch. What exercises and stretches will help me improve my posture?
posted by I Am Not a Lobster on Nov 3, 2006 - 10 answers

ear piercing/stretching question inside & a good piercing shop in nyc? [more inside]
posted by whatitis on Oct 18, 2006 - 14 answers

How do I stretch out a pair of rock climbing shoes? [more inside]
posted by ducksauce on Jun 7, 2006 - 10 answers

ExerciseFilter: I am old (36). I am fat (5'8" 190#). I am out of shape (no real physical activity for a couple years). I have a bad knee (ACL replacement and some cartilage replacement two year ago). I want to run a half-marathon on Halloween. What can I do to prepare? Specifically, what can I do to minimize the risk of reinjuring my knee? [more inside]
posted by jdroth on Aug 21, 2005 - 25 answers

Looking for upper/mid back stretches. [more inside]
posted by trillion on Aug 11, 2005 - 6 answers

I think I want to try Yoga or Tai Chi but I can't decide which. [more inside]
posted by mendel on Jun 6, 2005 - 16 answers

Does stretching work? Does it increase flexibility in adults or just maintain it? [more inside]
posted by randomstriker on May 11, 2005 - 24 answers

What's the best way to stretch before and after working out? [more inside]
posted by drezdn on Apr 11, 2005 - 15 answers

Mudpuppie posted a great stretch for your back a few questions ago. So what are your favorite stretches...? What really helps your tired or sore muscles feel better? [more inside]
posted by humuhumu on Dec 16, 2004 - 11 answers

In response to this question about running I found a lot of good motivation for myself to start this up and I did last night for the first time. As a follow-up of sorts, anyone know of any good stretching routines to go through both before and after doing exercise? Particularly one that will help prevent my legs from tightening up quickly?
posted by thebwit on Jul 27, 2004 - 8 answers

I started weight training about 9 months ago, with regular cardio. I want to start a strecthing routine because I feel very tight. [m/i] [more inside]
posted by benjh on Feb 8, 2004 - 7 answers