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General Fitness Health and Conditioning Martial Arts Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Stretching

Stretching for MMA, Part V–Quadriceps Stretch

The order of stretching is important. After you have stretched your calves, glutes and hamstrings and have relaxed those muscles, you are ready to stretch your quadriceps. The side-lying stretch is good because you are in a resting position (not weight bearing).

Start by using one hand to secure your non-stretching leg (right hand to right leg or left hand to left leg). Use your other hand to grab your ankle/foot on your stretching leg. Move to the start position with your knees touching and activate your hamstrings to stretch. As your hamstrings can no longer move your leg, assist the stretch further (using your hand or a rope/towel/etc. if you cannot reach your ankle) and hold for 1 to 2 seconds.

Keep the rest of your body still during the stretch so that you isolate your quadriceps. Your non-stretching leg will have a tendency to try to move to make it easier, so hold that in place. Do 3 to 10 repetitions per set and repeat sets as needed. Stretch both sides equally so you don’t contribute to asymmetry.

This stretch and a lot more will be covered in my upcoming book, Martial Arts for Everyone, which will be published very soon. Thanks.

 

Categories
General Fitness Health and Conditioning Martial Arts Mixed Martial Arts (MMA) Stretching

Stretching for MMA, Part IV—Straight-leg Hamstring Stretch

Stretching for MMA, Part IV—Straight-leg Hamstring Stretch

Do the Bent-knee Hamstring Stretch first because it is easier to do than the Straight-leg. The Bent-knee variation relaxes tissue to prepare you for a deeper and more involved stretch. Remain in the supine position and straighten both of your legs. Rotate your non-stretching foot inward to stabilize your hips. Place the heel of your stretching leg on top of your other foot. This is the start position.

Keep both legs straight and your stretching foot dorsi-flexed (the opposite of pointing your toes), hold this position, exhale and activate your quadriceps to raise your stretching leg. Hold the stretch for 1 to 2 seconds and return to the start position. Use a rope or towel to assist if needed.

Do 3 to 10 repetitions per set and stretch both sides equally. Repeat sets as needed. This stretch gives a true measure of your hamstring flexibility. You may find at first that you cannot move your leg very high during this stretch. This is okay; you will increase your range the more you work on stretching.

This stretch and a lot more will be covered in the second edition of my book, Focusing Martial Arts Power which will be published in the next few months. Thanks and look for part V, Quadriceps Stretch.