Resistance Stretching--Check This Out!!!!

ottersocks · 2009-10-28T16:27:10+00:00

Hi everyone, I've been working religiously on flexibility, following the teachings of Alethea and Freya (my friend from Brassy Butterfly in Portland, she's unbelievably bendy!). I am seeing progress, but of course slowly. I'm more flexible than average in most places, but struggle with an old hamstring injury that is now all scar tissue and locked up. Two weeks ago I started cross fiber release work with my Rolfer on that scarred hammie. It is really helping to free things up. She also told me about resistance stretching and gave me a book, "The Genius of Flexibility" by Bob Cooley. Resistance stretching is essentially the idea of simultaneously contracting and stretching the target muscle. Bob Cooley stretched Dara Torres through all her Olympic wins. So yesterday I finally read the book, and last night very late decided to try one or two things. I sat on the floor, legs open wide into a straddle, and tried to bend forward. As usual, with a lot of holding and relaxing and breathing, I could finally juuuuuuust get my elbows down in front. Then, I sat up, and tried it Bob's way. I contracted all the muscles that I was trying to stretch in exactly the way he said, and over I went! Face, chest, and belly flat on the floor! I was absolutely amazed!! I have NEVER even gotten close to that. 🥂 I don't want to tell you how to do this, as you need to be sure to do it properly, and of course take into account your own body and limitations. But I highly recommend you check out his book if you're interested in increasing flexibility. 👍 (Oh and I promise, I don't know this guy or have any interest in you buying his book!)

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pink bubbles · 1/16/2011
Hi everyone! So, questions about Bob Cooley's stretches. I received the book and started stretching yesterday. I do stretches 1,5, 6, 9, 10, 14 and some stretches from the splits in 6 weeks program. The Lotus n°14 (I do it sitting down) is really working well, I used to have a lot of trouble keeping my back straight while bending towards the ground and after 6 repetitions of the stretch I was able to go a lot further than usual. Although, after these stretches I find my muscles to be extra tired, for instance, when I'm doing the Karate stance from the splits in 6 weeks program, the quads of my front leg shake A LOT!! This also happens sometimes while I'm streching. Is this normal or am I over doing someting? Has anyone experienced anything like this with these stretches? I really wouldn't want to be doing anything wrong and injure myself. Thanks! 🐷
PennyGirl · 1/16/2011
Ok soooo I also bought this book. (Bob Cooleys The Genius of flexibility) I am so totally lost. I am looking at the pictures and trying to figure out if I am pulling or pushing in what ever direction but it doesn't seem to make much difference. um one more thing...the meridians and personality part kinda freaks me out a little. Maybe I'm just not Zen enough for this. I will probably end up putting this one on the shelf for a while until I decide if I'm gonna give it another go. Meh
MissKitty83 · 1/17/2011
Just bought Dara Torres' DVD set - cannot wait to try it!!
pink bubbles · 1/17/2011
Hi Pennygirl! I completely left out the part about the meridians and personality thing and concentrate only on the stretches. It would be a shame if you didn't use the book because seriously those stretches are really effective and on the long run, you really do gain flexibility. Ottersocks seems to be very good at explaining, maybe you should ask her about the stretches you don't understand. Once you understand how it works it's pretty easy. Good luck 🙂!!
MissKitty83 · 1/30/2011
Well, I've gotten the Dara Torres DVD in the mail, and tried it - only once so far. I just went through the leg strengthening/resistance streching section - my legs were SO SORE the next day. That was Tuesday, I haven't tried it since, but I think I'll try it again this evening. My hamstrings are just so, so, so tight... The exercises are hard work, and I didn't really notice much improvement in my flexibility during that one session; I was just trying really hard to get the exercises right. It should get better as I go.
inkyfingers · 1/30/2011
sounds intrigueing. I may try this technique. :)
ottersocks · 1/30/2011
Hey ladies Sorry I missed some of the comments on this thread. It is very normal to be sore after these stretches. You are creating microtears and you will likely feel like you'd been lifting weights. Shaking is also common. It generally indicates weakness in the balancing muscle group (ie biceps and triceps). Dara Torres DVD does a great job of explaining how these muscle groups work. The stretches are paired with strengthening for the balancing group. One great way to get more flexibility in a muscle is to gain strength in the balancing muscle. I definitely understand why you might feel lost reading Cooleys book. I also ignore all the meridian/personality stuff. But it is hard at times to understand what exactly he means or what muscle you're supposed to use and how. I started another thread letting everyone know I will soon be offering video resistance stretch lessons live via skype. I'll be doing privates as well as groups. Stay tuned for more info on that soon! Hope to get to see you then. Ellen
meaganoff · 2/2/2011
Just wanted to post a link to something I found last night - it's an iPad / iPhone / iPod Touch app based on the Dara Torres DVD - I just downloaded it last night. It's only $6.99 and no waiting for shipping! The first app is legs only; you can get the complete workouts inside the first app. http://bit.ly/gOMjZU If you have the DVD it's probably not worth it, but if you don't, it's neat and cheap and quick to download, plus it's mobile, so you take it around with you!! How neat! Just got it last night, gonna try the stretches out today.
HellsBells · 2/2/2011
Awesome find meaganoff! Thanks!
ottersocks · 2/11/2011
For all of you who have expressed interest and/or found Cooley's/Torres' method useful, I am now offering one-on-one video resistance stretch sessions. For those who don't know: I am a pole instructor and resistance stretching trainer, trained by the same people who appear on the Dara Torres DVD and who stretch her every day. I recently did a Skype session with our very own Amy, who had nice things to say about it! :-) This would be a one on one private 60 minute stretch session where we can identify and target your particular issues, practice the appropriate stretches for you, and leave you with a "homework" list of stretches. Price is $45 for the hour; $175 for a package of 5 sessions ($10 per session savings, payable up front in one payment.) You need a webcam and skype account (free). You need to schedule directly with me and pay via Paypal. You can message me here, or email [email protected], or find me on Facebook. I am in the Pacific time zone, to give you some help with schedule ideas. I look forward to working with you! Ellen
Vdub · 2/14/2011
Hey Ottersocks....any plans to do group sessions? I checked out the book awhile back but it was kind of confusing so I didn't really do anything with it.
ottersocks · 2/14/2011
Hi Vdub Yes group sessions are coming. I need to test out the group chat format site I'm planning to use first though to be sure it's good enough quality. I will keep you updated. E
verucablue · 2/14/2011
YAY!!!!🙂
Lyme Lyte · 4/8/2012
OK folks, opening an old thread. I want to work towards my splits but am so confused. Many people have had luck with AA splits DVD, but many have had luck with this resistance stretching as well. For those of you who purchased this book a few years back, did it really help?
Lyme Lyte · 4/8/2012
I have been trying Veenas lessons as well, but my internet cant stream for more than 8-10 min. So i get half through a lesson and then it stops.....my darn internet! :(
PaulettePoles · 4/9/2012
Thanks for reopening this Lyme.. As you know, I just fell in love w resistance stretching so I am going to go check this book and DVD out!
Dancing Paws · 4/9/2012
Lyme - Just to let you know, Alethea does a little resistance stretching in her splits DVD (for the front-back splits.)
PaulettePoles · 4/9/2012
Yes she does, AA has a little of everything in her DVD's. I personally like them but can see they would be difficult for a beginner or someone who isnt aware of safety issues with ballistic stretching. I do like them and have used them too.
Lyme Lyte · 4/9/2012
Paulette, had fun stretching with you last week! I know we did a little bit of everything.
elsandwilliam · 6/10/2014
Hi Guys, I know this thread is really old but for anyone interested in resistance stretching in the UK, I am the only current qualified trainer so far. I trained with Innovative body solutions in Miami, some if you look like you have bought the DVD. The founders of IBS trained with Bob Cooley. So if you want to great really strong and bendy at the same time, look me up for private sessions or workshops. I travel all over the UK and can recommend some really great trainers in the US that are part of the 'Ki-Hara resistance stretching' network. Look me up at www.stretchstronger.co.uk - thanks Ellie
Anzia · 7/11/2014
I've had two sessions with Ellie now (above) and think it's fab! She's a really good instructor and the sessions feel very effective. Also, because she poles, I can explain what I'm struggling with and she gets it straight away and knows what to work on to strengthen/stretch the appropriate muscles. Highly recommended - I'm really pleased I got in touch with her from this thread :)
MeganJoan · 7/12/2014
Sooooo I just bought and read this book and wow! Tried it out during my stretching just now and then difference was massive. Here's a photo of my usual wax stretch using conventional methods on the top vs resistance stretching in the middle and on the bottom. I know my leg is completely straight in the second two pictures but I'd never had to deal with having a boob in the way or trying to figure out how to hold my leg that far down! I felt like the inability to fit my leg anywhere was holding me back more than my actual flex. It was ridiculous!
MeganJoan · 7/12/2014
Whoops, meant to say it isn't completely straight!
Anzia · 7/12/2014
Wow!
Storypole17 · 7/12/2014
MeganJoan - what book?!?! And this is awesome!

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