Increasing Flexibility? + Knee Problem

Cookeh

Cookeh

Cookeh

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Joined
21 Jan 2010
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Hey guys,

This may seem obvious or stupid to some, but I dunno :p

My lack of flexibility is kind of embarrassing, for example I've never been able to touch my toes, and the closest I can get to doing so is top third of my shin :o

Looking to start putting on bulk soon, as while I'm not particularly weak (well, I am compared to some of you lot :p) it doesn't show and I would like to be stronger. My fear is that my lack of flexibility may hinder me or lead to problems - I'd also just like to have better flexibility anyway!

The second problem is regarding my knees. After more than about 5 mins of running I get sharp pains and aches - normally primarily in my right knee, but often in both. This doesn't exactly help with my aims of improving general fitness levels. Same problem with squats.

I do, however, cycle quite a lot and I get no issues there.

Is there anything I can do to try and get rid of this pain, or strengthen my knees?

If it helps I'm currently 5'11", and weigh 67kg (10.5st).

Thanks in advance,
Cookeh
 
Any tips for getting started with yoga?

Is it something you can do at home, or do you ideally need a teacher/class environment?
 
Jonny69 said:
Cross trainer is quite good for putting strength back into the knee. I picked up a knee injury early last year and it proved to be good low impact exercise that eased me back into running. Also try running slower, shorter paces and concentrate on your technique. Bear in mind if you cycle a lot and don't run, the muscles running round the sides of your legs (ITB) and the support muscles around your knees, shins and ankles will be underdeveloped compared to your thighs and calves. It's worth being very gentle at first so that your stronger cycling muscles don't pull everything else into an injury.
Click to expand...

:eek:

Okay then! I had heard about issues with shortened calf-muscles (making you run on tip-toes so to speak) but didn't realise it was more general than that!

Thanks guys, better go see if the local gym has a cross trainer (it's at my school, and frankly crap so I'd be surprised! :p)
 
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