This is not just another post about how stretching or mobility is going to benefit you, although there will be a bit of that. This is a post that will hopefully stretch your mind and allow you to view your training differently.
The concept of stretching is to reach beyond the limit presented to you.
1. All progress is the result of stretching beyond those limits presented to you. (Mechanics)
Physically this is a given as we see people stretching and doing mobility drills and experience ease of movement as a result. We see squats get deeper, the overhead position look better, the back and joints move more efficiently with a decreased risk of injury or strain. Often in gym if you are having difficulty with a movement my response will be to use the lacrosse ball or engage in specific stretching movements to make that movement easier for you.
Mentally you will find that you need to stretch your capacity to handle the workout and get through. Telling yourself to do one more than last week is a stretch, it is beyond the limit you set for yourself. Doing the extra kilo on the bar is a stretch. Holding that pace on the rower is a mental stretch, beyond your current limit. But in the same way that reaching for your toes 1 day doesn't have you with your hands flat on the floor the next, it will take some time to build.
If you really want to get better, then moving better and thinking bigger is how it starts. The CrossFit model follows the idea of Mechanics>Consistency>Intensity. Get it right, make it consistent, then add the intensity. Which brings me to my next point:
2. Stay Flexible/supple. (Be consistent)
Be ready to change your thought pattern, to push further than you thought possible. Don't get stiff, immovable. Some of you may already be stuck in your ways thinking that it's not possible for you to see the change you want. Be willing to try and stick to new concepts to see your goals come to fruition. Training brings on a physical stretch yes but the mental stretch needs to occur otherwise you will remain in the same position you have been for as long as you have been there.
And yes it's going to be hard! Stretching hurts but you need to consistently push through the 'I can'ts' and 'It's too hard's and 'I'm never going to get there's. Consistently stretch your capacity each day, stick to the game plan, be willing to change your thought pattern to remain flexible.
3. Align yourself with people stretching themselves! (intensity)
On those days where it seems like too much, you just don't think you can, it pays to have a friend/partner in crime that is stretching just as much as you are or more. Someone who you know is going to be there. Who you know is going to challenge themselves to be a tiny bit better today, or a lot. Who is on the grind. Who you know is going to help you be the best version of you. Plus, finding someone willing to go through the same pain as you makes you feel a bit better about the whole situation.
(For those who train at CFBC, do a session with our very own Spartan, Alex the Greek, and you will find it very difficult to not stretch yourself, to push beyond your limits).
These days will be the hardest days to stretch, but these days are the break through. These days are the ones where you see the difference made. These are the days that the person you admire, has stretched themselves past.
So do yourself a favour and start stretching!
5 * 1 Lap of Overhead Walking Lunge
S/set
20 Sec L-Hang/Knee Hang
100/75/50/25 of:
Air Squats
Situps
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