Flexibility

[Jakenash]

Hey everyone, quick question for those who have gone through basic:

I'm going to the gym everyday to prep myself for boot camp, and the one thing I'm having issue improving is my flexibility for the sit and reach. I read that if you fail the flexibility test (One Second toe touch in the sit and reach position) It doesn't mean you fail the PT Test. Is this True?

Also, any recommendations for improving flexibility? I haven't done a succussful sit and reach since elementary school, and I always assumed my leg muscles were extremely tight.

[carlylynn72]

Have you every tried a pilates or yoga class??? Go to these atleast 3x a week and I guarantee you, your flexibility will increase! Before you get out of bed in the morning, do some stretches...like touching your toes (lean your chest into your thighs as opposed to curling your back..dont be too consumed with touching your toes as much as stretching your hamstrings). Lay on your back, put your leg straight up in the air and cross it to the other side of your body while keeping both shoulders flat on the surface of your bed. It's easy to stretch your arms and neck while sitting straight up (keeping your back completely vertical without slumping over). There's a bunch of different ones but doing them right after you rise, you'll be waking your muscles up and stretching them at one of the tightest times in the day. Make sure you ALWAYS stretch after working out. If you run alot, try just warming up for 5 minutes, stretch then continue your run and stretch again. Just some suggestions. There's always ballet:)!!!! That can help any man!

[Retired Navy Chief]

Take a quick trip to meet the local high school wrestling or track coach. Let them know what you are trying to do and ask for some advice / assistance. Doesn't matter that you've been out of school for a while ... they know how to take care of it !!

You'd be surprised what kind of good info you could come out with !! (and it's FREE !!)

Cheers,
PISTOL

[MacSteve]

you dont test for flexibility in bootcamp.

in the Real Navy, fail the flexibility and they will just enroll you in some mandatory yoga classes. you wont fail the PT.

otherwise, just stretch, workout, stretch. you will be amazed at how fast your flexibility comes.

[Jakenash]

Thanks everybody. I'll head down and talk to my old wrestling coach. My parents are hippy's that are big on yoga and they gave me a DVD the other day that I'm starting to use. I have already started to notice gains being made just by stretching longer during my daily excercise routine. I'll keep stretching and hope for the best

[evan's dad]

My sailor evan has trouble with the sit and stretch thing as well. He has no other pfa broblems at all. He is six foot four and most of his height is in his legs, so he has trouble with the flexibility, but never has been called on it yet. He says that as long as he "bounces" the touch for an instant, it is ok.You don't actually have to grab and hold your toes.