I have been really studying how to properly stretch for maximum flexibility lately. I have picked up a book by Bob Cooley about Resistance Stretching.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Genius-Flexibility-Stretch-Strengthen/dp/0743270878/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1373549509&sr=8-5&keywords=resistance+flexibility

It is a phenomenal read (have not put it into practice yet) and I believe it is cutting edge in the fitness world. A lot of Olympic athletes have been successful with these techniques so it is bound to help even us. Essentially, maximum flexibility comes from both contracting and elongating muscles at the same time. It is the contracting from resistance (pushing into floor for example) that "magically" gives a stretch the optimal result.

For example, stretching with legs apart at a 45 degree angle, straight leg, hands on feet, pushing into floor with heals and lower leg and forehead on ground in front of you. Another is to sit on your feet, bend backwards, push into ground with legs and back on ground. Impossible right? Nope! With the proper amount of resistance, the muscles contract and allow for this type of seemingly impossible flexibility.

The author reveals that these are really Hatha Yoga moves, but it is really good to read about the "science" behind how it works. He has fine tuned his research into a consolidated set of 16 exercises i am excited to learn about and put into practice. Good flexibility has always been my nemesis in both Cross Fit and Yoga. My flexibility has improved from a few months ago, but it is slow going. Application of this knowledge will really take your exercises, lifting, sport and yoga practices to another level.

You might find resistance flexibility just what is needed to excel at your fitness.

Interesting read. I will definitely have to get the book. Thanks for sharing.

Thanks for this Fiddle. Every day I work with the Trainer he starts with a mobility test before we stretch to see where I am at and then we do a number of stretches that involve what you are talking about using the resistance of contracting and flexing at the same time. I am always amazed at how much more range of motion I get with just a few minutes of concentrated stretching.

I am trying to find a resistance band like he uses at the Cross Fit Gym to do some of this at home too.

Glad you all enjoy this approach to improving flexibility. Feel free to post any results of using this approach or even your own stretching strategies that are working for you.