Like a few others, I've been a lurker of the forums. Reading all the advice and suggestions inspired me to keep at it for a while now. I've always been a bit limber, and at 6ft 140lbs not much is in blocking the way. Things started out small, but after the first week I was able to get into the X position, however with little success beyond being able to touch/lick the tip.
Now tonight after a good warm-up session, I was finally able to get a good 1-2" via the sitting position. With less neck strain and pressure and the the larger range of motion with my head, things are looking great. Hope to have some pics or the like soon.
Again, thanks to all for the wonderful and honest advice!
Another success
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aleingang69
- Posts: 2357
- Joined: Tue Jan 24, 2006 9:53 pm
My method for warming up:aleingang69 wrote:Congrats, man!
Pics/video would be great, and specifics on how you got there would be good for other guys who are in training.
Thanks for keeping us posted!
Al
1) About 15-20 minutes of touching my toes/floor standing up alternating one-foot-over-the-other. Fully streched hamstrings aren't really necessary, but helps prevent injury and increases blood flow to larger muscle groups.
2) Lying down, extend legs over head barkwards until toes reach the floor, making sure to fully strech the back. In this position it is possible to start loosening the part of the back which is necessary for proper usage of hooking arms under the legs. Make sure to emphasize the area of your back right below the beginning of the rib cage. This is the area that is most essential as this is the area which will bend when in position later.
Make sure to take a bit of a break in between steps. When an elevated heart rate and muscles have been "warmed" up, a greater range of motion is possible; additionally (again) there is less chance of injury.
3) Strech the groin by entering the "butter-fly" position we are all familiar with from gym class. This will aid in a more comfortable next step.
3) After the above, try getting into a loose X-position. it is not the goal to enter this position for SS; however it will provider constant extention of the lower back. While in this posistion, simluate a few abdominal crunches.
4) In the sitting position, extend both legs straight and hook both arms under your thighs. Bend your back in the area at the bottom of your rib cage, while pulling gently with your arms. Repeat this many times for a count of about 30 seconds. As this becomes more comfortable, incrementally move your arm position close to your but. Once you feel comfortable with this, push up slighly from ass using your arms as leverage. By this time you should have decent mouth-full, and with your head start bobbing.
I prefer using this method as there is less strain on the back and back. Furthermore, it doesn't put pressure on your chest, thus making it easier to breathe and it's easier on the blood-pressure. I've noticed that using the X-position tends to create larger pressure on the circulatory system, and reduces the probability of head-aches.
Hope this helps.
