I'd like to add a comment about yoga practice as a way to improve your flexibility. Well, a few comments really:
- There are all kinds of modifications you can do for the yoga postures to allow someone who is not all that flexible to begin gradually. However, if the tapes you have don't go into detail on the modifications that suit your body, you won't know how to do them. Don't get frustrated if you cannot do the postures the way you see in the tapes or books -- it may take years to get that flexible. However, even after a few months of regular practice you'll find a night and day difference.
- I highly recommend finding a yoga studio and dropping in for a few classes to get the hang of things, and then use the tapes as an extension of what you learned there. This way you can get live feedback from a teacher who can show you the modifications that suit you.
- There are some types of yoga that practice the stretch for a while, rest, then repeat model. This won't create enough activity/heat for the stretching to be beneficial. If this is what you are doing, you will need to warm up with physical activity first.
- Alternatively, some types of yoga (Astanga, Bikram), have specific methods for keeping the heat going. In Astanga, it's in the flowing movements. In Bikram, it's in the thermostat.
- Finally, you need to do it at least four times a week to really start to realize the benefits. You'll get some benefit from twice a week but four or more will be much better.
Chris
Chris Guzik
"You can never do a kindness too soon,
because you never know how soon it will be too late."
Ralph Waldo Emerson