Some more good flexibility/stretching links

I've found a few more good sources of information on stretching and developing flexibility and added them to the links section on the right hand side of the page.

The first is Brad Appletons stretching guide - a really comprehensive guide to stretching. Essentially its a reworking of Kurz material so if you have been thinking about buying "stretching scientifically" check out this page.

The second is the flexibility section of the martial arts planet forum. There is a great guide written by the resident expert Van Zandt and he seems really active on the forum and answers a lot of questions...check it out.

Today I did my second workout of lesson 5.
My hip flexors are so weak its not funny, doing the standing slow(ish) leg raises and circles was a bit disheartening, I can hardly do the straight leg circles at waist height. I did however have a great deep stretch after though, I think I've made a little improvement on both my front open splits.

I had a few good discoveries today, firstly for my open front split I get a much much better stretch if I wear my MA training shoes, do the stretch on the tiled section of my hall and place the back foot on a small towel to help facilitate easy movement..so that is how I will do it from now on.

As for the side split, I still have been getting pain on the front of my hip, its HAS to be due to incorrect hip alignment even though I am trying to rotate my pelvis as forward as I can, so today I tried out a few different positions and think I have found one better for me, I need to play around with it a bit more but it felt better today and no real discomfort in my hips afterward.

I've also modified my dynamic stretching again, I'm following the advice on the MAP (Martial Arts Planet) guide and doing 4 sets each leg front, side and will add back.

1st set knee height @25% max speed
2nd set waist @ 50%
3rd chest @ 75%
4th Shoulder/head @ around 80%
and add 5th if I feel I can go higher still

Did this today and it felt great.