QUESTION: How do I regain my flexibility which has been limited since I started lifting weights?
Beth:I have been lifting weights for over a year now. I am enjoying the added mass and strength I have developed; however I seem to be losing flexibility as well as range of motion. The stretching that I am doing doesn’t seem to help so I was wondering if you had any insight or suggestions for me.-Jeff M.
ANSWER:
Hey Jeff,
Of course I have some suggestions for you, I am a woman, aren’t I?!? Weightlifting is an awesome way to stay strong and prevent injury if done properly. Did you have someone show you proper technique and put you on a good weight lifting program, or are you making it up as you go along? Are you doing a variety of lifting, or focusing mostly on chest and shoulders? Make sure in your routine that you are exercising all muscle groups. If you have been surfing a lot (or not due to the weather) you definitely want to focus on strengthening the opposing surfing muscle groups and to stretch the muscles you use for paddling.
I have finally committed myself to yoga in order to help me open up and stretch better. I have stretched in the past on my own and like you, I felt as though it wasn’t doing enough. I highly suggest getting into yoga at least 2 times per week so you have a structured stretching class which forces you to hold the stretch for a long time. I have been doing some intro to Ashtanga classes at a great studio on Lombard called Greenpath Yoga (between Pierce and Steiner). The instructor is a surfer/triathlete-turned-yoga-guru, so he totally understands our body type. I never could get into yoga but love this class. It is hard as hell and it really focuses on stretching,
strengthening, breathing, and balance. Perfect for surfing!!
Hope this helps. Let me know if you need more info. Pray for good surf or tons of powder!
Hasta, Beth
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