Good flexibility excercises?

Question

I am in figure skating and pretty flexible but I want my legs and back to be more. I do all the basic stretches but I need something new,some really good ones that work. Thanks :)

Answer 1

Straddle (V-Strech), Splits, Practice Your Spirals.

Answer 2

Yoga was a good suggestion, but you might try Pilates as well. The thing about Pilates is that it not only emphasizes flexibility, it helps build the muscles to support those extensions. It does not one bit of good to be able to lift your foot way over your head if you can't hold it there or balance while you do it--that bugaboo "core strength" again. If you do, it would be wise to seek out a Pilates teacher who understands what a skater needs, if one can be found.

Back exercises should always be done with "front" exercises that work opposing muscle groups, otherwise you set yourself up for back injuries--again, core strength--balancing back vs front is critical.

Natural inclination may also have something to do with how much you can bend back. If you have a flexible back, you have one--I do and even at 38, I can "lay back" quite far, as long as I have something to hold onto. Some people just don't have it. Michelle Kwan didn't Her layback was always considered a weakness.. Tonia Kwiakowski always did a sideways leaning spin instead of a layback because her back was not very flexible. The key, I guess, is knowing when to cut your losses and play to your strengths.

Don't neglect turn out and toe point when stretching. You can get your foot way up high, but if the toe's not pointed and turned out, it's not going to look all that pretty.

Answer 3

Any kind of stretching obviously.  Also, just practicing moves that involve back and leg flexibility, like spirals and laybacks, should help.

Answer 4

personal trainer!!!!!!!!!yay!!!!!!!!!!!  i have 1

Answer 5

If you want your legs and back to do more, you should look into weight training as well as stretching.  There's a great book on this called Conditioning for Figure Skaters.  

http://www.amazon.com/Conditioning-Skati...

What I like about this book is it explains the exercises including pictures, and even gives you a routine to follow.  It also explains how you would design your own routine

I don't know what your age is but you should ask a coach or a trainer to advise you at first just to check your form, especially if you're under 13 - but even younger kids can work with free weights as long as they're with someone trained in working with kids.

A great exercise for back strength is a weighted hyperextension.  http://www.exrx.net/WeightExercises/Erec...

Strength is as important as flexibility but it gets less attention for some reason...don't fear the free weights!  It can really take your skating to another level.

Answer 6

Yoga. It's great for flexibility, and strength, and I think it's fun.

Answer 7

Ballet warm up. It really help me. N skipping so ur jumps will be higher.

Split is one of the most important warm up