I would like to be more flexible because I practice Brazilian Jiu Jitsu. My question is how do I become more flexible? My friend and I had a small argument on the subject. He told me that in order to become more flexible you must perform dynamic stretches where you would "bounce" on the stretches and I told him static training is more important where there is no action and you would just hold that stretch for a period between 15-20 seconds. Which is correct so that I can work on which ever stretch?
I have a few flexibility books and they spoke about dynamic stretching and static stretching and from what I understood static stretching was the way to go in order to advancing flexibility.
Update:I have this in the diet and fitness forum as well because it matches well with fitness and I figured dancers would need that flexibility as well.
Answers & Comments
Verified answer
One way to become more flexibile, is to do splits.
Here is what you do...
First, stretch out by doing lunges on each leg. You do not want to pull anything, so this is important.
Then, face your hips forward and slide your right leg out in front of you and slide your left leg back. Do this VERY slowly. Keep sliding until you feel like the muscles in your legs are about to rip.
Then, hold yourself up by putting your hands on either side of your right leg. Hold yourself here for a minute and, during this minute, continue to try to slide down even farther. This is your right split!
Then, after a minute, switch and do this with your left leg in front. Repeat all of the steps, except for the stretching (which you should have already done), on your left leg.
***It should take a while for you to get the whole way down to the floor, so do not get upset if you do not get there right away***