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Frightening Flexibility: Stretching Routines To Keep You Agile This October

When it comes to the martial arts, it’s critical that your body remains strong enough to complete the movements while being agile enough to have a full range of motion. This can be accomplished through consistent stretching routines through the month of October and beyond!

Below are some stretches that will help you achieve higher levels of flexibility.

Standing Hamstring Stretch

The hamstrings are located near the back of your thighs, and help to stabilize your knee function.

  • Stand with your left foot six inches in front of your right. Keep your left heel on the floor with the toes flexed upward.
  • Bend at the hips and slightly bend your right knee. Keep your spine parallel to the ground while your left leg is completely straight.
  • Hold this position for 30 seconds, and then switch legs.

Lunges

Lunges impact the quadricep, hamstring, and glutes.

  • Stand with your feet shoulder width apart.
  • Keep your spine upright and shoulders back while you step forward with your right leg.
  • Drop your right hip and bend your right knee.
  • Step back to the starting position and switch legs.

Reverse Chest Stretches

As you throw punches, it involves repetitive shoulder movements in front of you or above your head. Reverse chest stretches involve extending your shoulders while stretching triceps and forearms.

  • Stand about 6-12 inches in front of a table.
  • Grab the edge of the table with each hand and begin lowering your body to the ground. This should stretch your biceps, chest, and shoulders.

Child’s Pose

This is an important stretch for muscle repair and improving back flexibility. Including this before or after your workout can improve your recovery.

  • Start on all fours. Bring your knees slightly wider than your hips.
  • Push your butt backwards, toward your feet.
  • With your hips back, lower your chest, head and shoulders toward the mat.
  • As your forehead reaches the mat, stretch your arms forward.

Arm Swings

Arm swings encourage mobility in your shoulders, chest and lats. This can become beneficial with aggressive arm motions that come with martial arts.

  • Stand with your arms by your sides.
  • Raise your arms in front of you and make big circles going clockwise.
  • Repeat clockwise and then switch directions to go counterclockwise.

Sign Up For Martial Arts Classes

TM Martial Arts offers martial arts classes in the Joliet and Plainfield area for children and adults. Our experienced instructors make classes fun and educational for everyone involved. Contact us to get started!

TM Martial Arts has over twenty years in business as a martial arts studio in Joliet, Illinois. Learn more about our journey in this article from the Associated Press: TM Martial Arts, As Featured in the Associated Press!