- Standing
- Sitting
- Sleeping
- Exercise
- Doing Nothing
- Diet
- Working Hard
- Compliments
It is a miracle that mankind gets anything complex done given how hard the basics are in practice. People who document their findings like this are a helpful resource.
https://www.bradapp.com/docs/rec/stretching/ is (I think) an evolution of the "old" rec.stretching FAQ which was pretty good way back.
https://www.amazon.ca/Stretching-Scientifically-Guide-Flexib...
These are relatively old resources but worth reading and then updating.
At the risk of being harsh to the author, everything he knew about stretching was wrong ;)
I see a pilates/personal trainer once a week that basically does all of the items mentioned by the OP:
- hip alignment
- postural restoration
- stott pilates
- stretching
We target soas, hip flexors, glutes, hips, lower abs, etc.
Not a single injury since battling with piriformis syndromes and ITBS years ago. Life changing.
This is true! Years ago, as a runner, I got hit with an IT band problem. It came on quite suddenly. Lots of pain on the right side of the knee. This just wouldn't go away and put a damper on the running. Half a lame mile and I wold be out.
This zero improvement situation went on for a month. I got fed up and so I went all kung-fu on that area. I massaged it very hard and tried to wrap my fingers around the fascia and yank it really hard this way and that.
Next day, I ran for a mile. No problem! Couldn't believe it. I cut it short at that to be safe. Day after that, two miles. Then 4, 8, ... and back in the game. I never "heard from" that body part ever again.
The method the author describes seems to help him with his limited mobility (relaxing is part of the job) - but AFAIK then he will find his muscles sluggish. For dynamic power like martial arts, running etc. (even cycling) he will need them springy and to use different methods. As well for joints collagen type 2, Neocell Move Matrix, Animal Flex..
So I think every body is different and there is unfortunately no magic trick.
But the author did one thing that applies to everyone: don’t give up; read up, keep trying new stuff.
The stayflexy guy and Adam Frater. The former even cites scientific studies.
I quit reading here. Absolute beginner starts exercising and immediately starts preaching as an expert.
A bodyweight bench press isn't "really strong", that's like a baseline for a healthy adult man. To not be able to do that is a sign of being overweight, frail, or both.
That said, holding stretches longer and focusing on relaxing while stretching hardly seems risky, and could be worth a try.