Evjo started this discussion ·
Hi! For the last couple of weeks my leg have started shaking when I stretch. It happens a lot, and espesially when I am lying on my back, grabbing the foot and bring it to my chest. Does anyone else have this problem? And what to do? I don't want to stop stretching, but maybe I need to change something? I stretch for the splits 2- 3 times pr. week.
Sign in or create a free account to reply.
Hello Evjo, When a part of your body starts shaking it usually means the muscles of that zone aren't receiving enough oxygen. It happens to me sometimes when I'm pushing myself a little bit harder, stretching or when rock climbing. It means your legs are tired and need to rest a londer period of time. I would suggest try resting for a whole week and then check it out again. Streching more times a week doesn't mean you'll get more flexible, sometimes is totally the contrary: you stress too much your muscles and then they break. Let's see if someone can help you a little bit better :) If not, the best thing you could do is go see a physiotherapist. Good luck!
some shaking while stretching is normal and to be expected. Its kind of the same as if you were lifting a heavy weight and your muscles start to shake. However, you might just want to not stretch as deep. this will probably eliminate most if not all of the shaking. just dont stretch as far. literally back off a few inches. eventually your body will open up and you will be able to go further. your muscles are being pushed to their max and they are fatigued. sometimes if you keep pushing when your muscles are tired they will rebel against you in order to protect themselves. meaning they will tighten up and then you could have some problems. so if you are lying on your back and stretching your hamstring and your leg is shaking then just release your leg a few inches and dont go quite as deep in the stretch. eventually you will be able to stretch further without the shaking. doesnt sound like you need to stop stretching just dont go as far right now.
That happens to me sometimes when I stretch after a long run or a good spell on the stair master. I try to stretch to increase flexibility only after a comfortable warm-up and stretch to maintain flexibility after a tough workout. After a tough workout I don't want my muscles to tighten up and stay that way so I'll stretch within my established range of motion even if I get a little shaky. Increasing flexibility is different because I don't want everything to be totally fatigued, just agreeable, so I'll do a moderate 15 minute warm-up then stretch comfortably beyond my range of motion. I never get to the point of shaking when increasing flexibility. This is by no means an expert opinion, I just found when I started to pay attention to my level of muscle fatigue vs. intended goal I got more comfortable and started making better gains.
Cuwoody ·
I found using the "relax into stretch" method helped to increase my flexibility the most without the shaking. Basically with this method you inhale, hold the breath while tightening the muscle you want to stretch and the release the breath and muscle tension at the same time. You will allow yourself to "sink" further into the position as you are exhaling. From that position you repeat the cycle and sink further. Keep repeating until you do not sink lower. If you google "relax into stretch" you can find more information about it.
Veena ·
Totally normal 😊
Evjo ·
Thank u all for the advises and inputs! I will rest for some days and then try to stretch more gentle. Cuwoody I will try it out! Thanks!
