CAN'T STRETCH - FRUSTRATED - Exercise & Fitness Message Board

cfischer · 04-15-2002, 02:38 PM

I am in my mid-twenties and have had trouble stretching for most of my life. I never did regular exercise until 2 years ago when I started going to the gym.
Every time I go I stretch before and after my workout, but I don't see much of a change. After I do it for a while, I can stretch more, but by the next day it's like starting from scratch again. I tried yoga, but I find it very painful (the new beginner class!).
Why is it that some people are flexible without exercising at all - and I, going to the gym 3x week, am having trouble? Is it genetic?

Rick31384 · 04-15-2002, 05:58 PM

a large part of it is genetics..I never stretch and I can put my knuckles on the ground without bending my knees...pretty good for a guy...I dont see the point in stretching myself other then prepare so you dont pull a muscle...but it seems if you worked on flexability a lot you could only get better

momonline41 · 04-16-2002, 09:02 AM

ime if you overstretch one day then you will tighten-up and not be able to stretch as much for the next couple of days...or so it is for me.

i am not very flexible either, but i find it helps to STOP and back off a bit as soon as i feel ANY pain, that way gradually VERY gradually in my case i'm able to be more flexible

Cyn