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Anonymous
Question, does somebody have to be born this flexible or can somebody diet and excise to become this flexible? Because after watching the Olympics, I wish I was as flexible as Shawn Johnson and Nasta Luikin, fuck I wish I was as flexible as Ty Lee. Just so you know, I'm a guy. Is it possible to become as flexible as them?
>> Anonymous
if you are fat, no. if you are REASONABLY fit, yes.

Just start out doing basic stretches, down to toes while standing, split legs toward toes while sitting, arms behind head/across chest, butterfly stretch.

It will hurt like a bitch (stretching always hurts btw) but after about a month you will see some improvement. Do not expect major improvement like weights though. once you stretch continuously for about 3 months, you will have HUGE jumps in flexibility, though.

You jsut have to motivate yourself and keep with it!
>> Anonymous
>>287929
Well I am not really fat. I just have a big gut. I have long arms and legs that are basically like chickens. Sometimes I think if I lose my gut weight I'd have a figure like a girl. Should I focus on losing my stomach weight first? Also what do you recommend for a cheap diet? I live in California, US and healthy food is expensive as hell.
>> Anonymous
>>287933

Lose weight first. You will thank me for this information:

You CAN work on some flexibility at the moment, you just won't get extremely 'bendy'. Once you are looking "normal", start upping your stretch session from 5/10 min to 15/20 minutes. This means 15 minutes of stretching, not of sitting and switching positions etc. actual painful stretching.
>> Anonymous
This thread reminds me, can men get curves like women?
>> Anonymous
>>287937
Well I am a bit embarrassed of losing weight, do you recommend anything I could do in private and what I should avoid eating?
>> Anonymous
>>287950
Yes, but bodily proportions ar not the same unless you take estrogen supplements.

>>287952

Can't be embarrased about losing weight. You will never make it if you can't even convince yourself. Do NOT ask /fit/ how to lose weight because you will never get the motivation. If i were you, I would just try out a gym and do a light workout. Take a little time to explore, and just observe what others are doing. Monkey see monkey do.

Don't eat fatty/junk foods, limit your fast food consumption, do not drink pop PERIOD, but diet soda is okay occasionally. Do not eat too much dairy. I suggest trying a product like almond or soy milk (almond milk is superior) if you absolutely must drink "milk".

Also, the most important thing, if you ahve cravings or are getting hungry between meals, DRINK WATER. DRINK WATER ALL DAY AND ALL NIGHT. ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS HAVE A BOTTLE OF IT AROUND.
>> Anonymous
>>287929
The most flexible people I know are fat (not obese but fat) do the splits, feet behind the head, hands behind your back and at shoulder height while the palms are flat like praying.

@ the op. Yes you can become very flexible if you stretch everyday, don't bounce as that can cause some problems if you're unlucky. To lose weight without weights or letting other people know you're trying just do bodyweight squats and pressups
>> Anonymous
>>287961

OH PLEASE DONT UNDERSTAND ME!

you can be fat and be flexible, but it is NOT healthy. It will damage your ligaments and tendons/small muscles.
>> Anonymous
>>287961
I cannot stretch my feet very far and I have long legs. My total height is 6'1 or 6'2.
>> Anonymous
Do Burpees and stretching. Can you become as bendy as them? No idea. Splits and stuff should be possible, though.
>> Anonymous
>>287961
Fat people are usually flexier than muscular people just because their muscles are smaller and weaker. I know that because I'm fat and flexible too (>U_U)>

To OP:
Get a stretching machine!
>> Anonymous
>>287963
>if you are fat, no.
Can't misunderstand that

Being fat and flexible is no worse for your ligaments tendon small muscles then being thin and flexible
>> Anonymous
OP here, I have small arms and legs. I am not really fat, other then in my stomach as I mentioned before. I usally try to fit my head between my legs. (not oraly sicko) I almost made it, and I am thinking. If I lost my fat, prehaps I could be really flexible.
>> Anonymous
Do you guys have a website or anything like a program on what to do for example? would be a great help
>> Anonymous
As far as I know you can't stretch muscle. Yup.
What you stretch is the ligaments and tendons binding the muscle to the bone.
But that's just my 2 cent.
>> Anonymous
So it is possible to get in shape and into gymnastics?
>> Anonymous
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>>287985
Bruce lee was really muscular and flexible, you're statement isn't true at all.
>> Failure
>>288063

Doing Gymnastics in itself is enjoyable and exteremly good exercise, a proper coach would start you off not beyond your ability.
>> Anonymous
>>288069
Like a regular coach or a special type?
>> Anonymous
>>288069
Dont you have to start young? Seems like a hard sport to pick up later on.
>> Anonymous
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>>288080
Nothing is to hard to achieve, if you want t try it go for it and don't look back.
>> Anonymous
This is relevant to my interests. I'm bigger around the waist than everywhere else like OP, but I'm a girl. Already quite flexible though not quite at the splits yet.

I'm working on flexibility since I'm planning on getting into dancing but gymnastics is definitely something I want to get into too.
>> Anonymous
>>288086
Do you have to be borned with a back that can bend backwards?
>> Anonymous
>>288086
That is one thing I admire about women's bodies is the extra flexablities. However men's gymnastics is fucking awesome and they do a lot of stuff that I haven't seen women do.
>> Failure
>>288075

No, any coach if they're doing their job properly should be able to make a rational decision as to where you should start off in training. They're not retarded to think that if you're naturally wank at gymnastics that you'll get to competition level, and work the dick off you till you hate it.

Problem really i've found is that adult gymnastics lessons aren't structured at all. But being a gymnastics coach myself, that's not a big worry, just look around, if there's a club local to you, ask! They shouldn't be too dicknippled for you to approach.
>> Failure
The strength of male gymnasts at the high levels is rival to that of a bear.

Made of steel.

On speed.
>> Anonymous
>>288092
I hope not. That's another thing I'm not quite fully at. I think it might be more out of fear from propelling backwards. I can easily do a bridge from a lying position.

I think fear is the one thing that would really hinder me if I get into gymnastics, but I guess just starting with simple thing will make it easier to deal with.

>>288094
I'm actually more flexible than most of my skinny friends. I think the only ones more flexible were in gymnastics when they were young.

I completely agree. Men's gymnastics is amazing. While women might be able to do some more extensions and intricate things, the strength that the men possess is absolutely incredible.
>> Anonymous
>>288106
Fuck, I'd be too afraid of breaking my god damn neck if I tried too do some of the shit men do. I'm more likely to do what women do. Although Nastia and Shawn did do some amazing shit.
>> Anonymous
>>288098
you must be thinking of Olympic lifters.
>> Anonymous
>>288115
Well it's fresh on people's minds. 2008 Beijing Olympics.
>> Anonymous
>>288117
Not sure what that post is supposed to mean
>> Anonymous
>>288129
He was saying that the guy was thinking about Olympic wait lifters and I said that a lot of people are probably thinking about that since the Beijing Olympics are taking place right now. Fuck I think I heard something on the news this was the time that people want to get into shape.
>> Anonymous
>>288135
Ok, but what are you trying to say by that? Both events are in the olympics.
>> Anonymous
I just try to do a bridge, I was amazed at how far up I could go for my size. Also what would you recommend if I want to get into running?
>> Anonymous
>>288111
I guess I haven't watched that much gymnastics to see a big difference in the floor routines, but I'm mainly talking about guys on the rings and high bar. THAT is insane.

>>288135
That shouldn't be surprising. Seeing people at their physical peak is a great motivator. I've always wanted to get into gymnastics but seeing the Olympics just makes me want to even more.
>> Anonymous
If you want to be able to do a bridge from standing, or have a tighter bridge, try doing a bridge against a wall by climbing your hands down it. It's much better than doing it from lying down since you don't have to worry about balance and you can concentrate more on flexibility.
>> Anonymous
>>288146
Hell yeah, just did one.

Before I tried doing it in a doorway, trying to support myself by holding my hand out to the side, but that was a dumb idea.

Doing that also made me realize how much I need to work my core muscles and how much more you can do with a strong core.
>> Anonymous
>>288146
Feet on wall or on floor? I'm going to try this now.

Also I would go on a diet, but my cunt of a mother doesn't keep me on it my fucking god. I swear to god, my wife better be in shape and know healthy food. Because I'm tired of my mom cooking unhealthy shit.
>> Anonymous
I was just stretching, sliding down into the splits, and noticed that the inside of my legs, right above my knees was feeling the stretch the most. I've felt that other times I've stretched my legs like that too. That's normal right?
>> Anonymous
>>288151
...Floor... Unless you're spiderman, stick to the ground.
>> Anonymous
>>288151
feet on the floor. Stand about two feet from the wall (more or less depending on flexibility) with your back facing it. Put your hands on the wall and inch down to the floor. Try not to bend your knees to help you down. They should only be slightly bent.
>> Anonymous
By the way, I tend to get mygrains(sp?) a lot. Any techniques for that?
>> Anonymous
>>288162
Painkillers
>> Anonymous
>>288160
I tried one on the door, do I put my head on it or just my hands. Sorry for the questions, but I never really excised before.
>> Anonymous
>>288174
I never realized how much it hurts your neck.
>> Anonymous
>>288174
>>288176
Neither did I realize how weak I was.
>> Anonymous
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>>287985
You're right. Muscular people aren't flexible at all.
>> Anonymous
>>288174
No. Just with your hands. Do like in this video

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fKeAu0AEX5A
>> Anonymous
>>288190
Well shit, I'm on dial up. It will take a while to load.

Also, how do I get around my weak neck?
>> Anonymous
>>288199
You do NOT use your neck. WTF. Just use your hands. Use your hand to climb down and use your hands on the floor.
>> Anonymous
>>288213
I was saying my neck feels weaker when I bend backwards, any way of making it stronger.
>> Anonymous
>>288080
Fuck yes you have to start young if you want to be good at it. Elementary school at the latest young.

I'd pick it up again (I started in the 3rd grade) if I didn't feel too old to do so.
>> Anonymous
>>288233
Don't tilt your head back so far... but make sure you know where you're going. Try to be in more control of your movement and use your back muscles and abdominals to lower yourself back. Your neck might not be used to the movement, but it'll get better. Its hard to explain how to not put strain on your neck ):
>> Anonymous
>>288263
Well shit, I'm 18. I wish I had a mother or father to push. But my mom is a fucking cunt. >_<
>> Anonymous
>>288270
I really wouldn't stop you from beginning gymnastics, because as other anons have said-- its a great sport. I loved it. But yeah, its a little late imo for taking it to the extreme (if you even were considering it).

But really, try it.
>> Anonymous
>>288270
Just do the best you can. You're not going to land a spot in the 2012 olympics starting gymnastics at 18, but you'll be in better shape than most people and you'll be able to do cool shit.
>> Anonymous
>>288276
By the way, I have also wanted to look into running since I noticed that when I get going I am fast as hell. Do you have any tips for beginners in running?
>> Anonymous
>>288276
Anyways I just wanted to be flexible.
>> Anonymous
>>288292
long distance or sprinting?
>> Anonymous
>>288270
Depending of your current physical shape, you can always try tricking. It's a lot of fun and it's still quite demanding physically.

http://www.trickstutorials.com/
>> Anonymous
>>288297
I really do not know, but I just want to getting into running.
>> Anonymous
generally, after about a year of constant stretching, you should be as flexible as Shawn. But you have to stretch like every day. And stretch and work on your flexibility after your muscles are warmed up. Stretching before a workout or anything (stretching cold muscles) is just retarded.
>> Anonymous
After watching the Olympics, I pretty much made up my mind to at least attempt to be as flexible as Nastia Liukin. Maybe even compete one day.

There's this one move she does where she brings her leg behind her and way up to her head. I forgot the name for it, but it looks like something a ballerina would do.

Anyway, I'm pretty sure I'm gonna enroll myself in some gymnastic and yoga classes.
>> Anonymous
>>288276
>>288364
I don't think the main point now is to get so good you can compete (even in smaller competitions). I think it's just to be able to actually do the extensions and tricks.

I wish my dad pushed me into dancing when I was young, but I'm still going to find a studio and actually train. I know I won't be pro, but I'm quite good for having no training to you never know. Same with gymnastics...if you have any friends that used to do it ask them for pointers.
>> Anonymous
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If I can teach my body to do that I can die happy.

Shit, I'm eighteen and inshape I should be able to get there, right?
>> Anonymous
>>288378
I srsly wish my dad wasn't so full of fucking machismo, and let me do ballet and gymnastics when I wanted to.

Shit, I could have been so fucking pro if I started doing both at five years old like I wanted.
>> Anonymous
>>288389
The kicker is my dad actually danced when he came here. I went into a few ballet/jazz classes when I was young, but if he put me in ballroom...fuck, I would have been amazing. I'm a natural dancer despite being chubbier.
>> Anonymous
>>288380
I wonder how many guys want to be flexible just so they could suck their own penises. :P
>> Anonymous
>>288401
Lol! My dad was just being homophobic douche.

I get told a lot, that I look like I would be a good dancer. Which basically just pours more salt into the wound.

Oh well, its never too late to take lessons now. I'm still young and dance companies are pretty damn desperate for male dancers.
>> Anonymous
>>288421
How old are you?

And it also depends on what kind of dancing you want to get into. All styles are going to be hard but some people suit certain styles better. I, for one, am made for ballroom, specifically latin. I have all the right hip movements, and a good amount of the foot work (without any training), I just have to work on getting my feet to move faster (anyone have any tips?)

If you're thinking of contemporary that might be harder, mainly for the flexibility required. While I don't like it as a from of dance (I find it to be more athleticism than anything else), the stuff contemporary dances can do with their bodies is incredible and something I would definitely like to be able to do (extensions, kicks, turns, flips (which brings us back to gymnastics) etc...)
>> Anonymous
Let's all put our future kids into some sport.
>> Anonymous
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>>288435
I'm am eighteen. Sort of old to start taking lessons, but I'm pretty athletic already and a have a decent amount of flexibility.

I would really like to do contemporary and Russian Vaganova ballet. The shit some of those dancers can pull without breaking a sweat is jaw dropping. Not to mention I've heard from my friends who've dancing for years that its pretty much the best way to get in shape.

That is why I wanna be flexible out the ass.

Pic is what I'd like my body to do.
>> Anonymous
>>288455

lol at future kids.
>> Anonymous
>>288455
I think all children should be encouraged to do a sport or something active.

Reminds me how my aunt would never let my cousins stay inside and watch tv for more then three hours. She'd eve make them play outside on days when we had extreme heat advisories.

LOL
>> Anonymous
>>288455
The sad thing is I think I would be jealous. My cousin said she wanted to put her daughter in dance and I got so jealous since I'M the dancer in the family. Hopefully it would be different for my own kids. I would still do it though.

>>288457
Same here. Almost 19, pretty flexible but I'm not that active (though I'm starting now)

Start hacking around in your basement...just do your own dance moves. If you can do some stuff then you might be pretty good when you train.

I would love to be able to do that too...but damn, that will be hard for a guy.
>> Anonymous
>>288477
I wish I had someone like that. Makes me upset that I have a bit of an age difference with my brothers who were constantly out playing on the street unntil dark when they were young.
>> Anonymous
>>288481
The funny thing is I've actually been looking up a ton of videos featuring Nureyev and Baryshnikov. The only thing I've learned is first through fifth position and how to pirouette 5 times without stopping.

I FAIL!

I know men pretty much get screwed in the flexibility department. Not to mention when a certain thing drops, moves like that only get harder to do. But doing yoga ought to help get that level sooner than I think.
>> Anonymous
>>288457
I was in ballet for ten years as a kid and was able to do all sorts of shit I could never do right now, but just from dance classes that I took almost 12 years ago I'm still very flexible.

just don't let them put you in point shoes. bloody pain and death
>> Anonymous
>>288497
Should I be able to do it? I have small gentiles. Don't forgot Asian men, they are fucking flexible. However American men tend to relay one something different then women.
>> Anonymous
>>288497
lol, I was just going to tell you to watch So You Think You Can Dance. It won't really help with ballet, but it gives you exposure to contemporary and other styles. I think it's probably helped me a bit, and hell, I could probably do some of the "contemporary" moves now too.

Fuck, one thing I can't do is pirouettes. Link for help?

Just keep stretching. Seeing some of the dancers on SYTYCD, guys can get very flexible.
>> Anonymous
For the guy trying to do a backbend: follow your hands with your eyes. This will keep you from overextending your neck, which won't strain it as much, and give you good body lines.

If most of you are interested solely in flexibility, you should consider contortion, not dance or gymnastics. A contortion coach will help you with assisted stretches, which will get you flexible MUCH quicker than anything you could do on your own.

The following site has both meal and stretching plans for anyone wanting to get flexible.

http://members.fortunecity.com/tchb1/

I'm going to start this regiment tomorrow. I already have my splits (and, to some degree, oversplits) from years of dance, but I'd like to get a 270 degree oversplit. THIS IS MY DREAM.
>> Anonymous
>>288511
I just looked up Baryshnikov White Nights on youtube and you'll get a video of him doing 11 pirouettes. I just copy his starting form and spin technique, but it works.
>> Anonymous
>>288535
They actually have coaches for contortion?!

Wtf?!
>> Anonymous
>>288544
Yes, almost all contortionists have some kind of pro coach who is familiar with anatomy who can help them stretch to the point of numbness, which is good for flexibility. They also assist with learning controlled dislocations.

>>288539
Ok, guys, if you're serious about dance, at least pick up a book or google "dance terminology". They are not "spins", they are "turns". It seems arbitrary, but trust me, you will get some funky looks if you don't learn this shit.
>> Anonymous
>>288558
I actually know what they're called. I dunno why I said turns. Now I feel like a dumb fuck.
>> Anonymous
I'm torn between dancing or gymnastics.

D:

I really want to dance but I think gymnastics is what would really get me into top physical form.
>> Anonymous
>>288614
After seeing Nasta and Shawn, I am getting inspired to try out gymnastics, but I also want to try running now. I was OP by the way.
>> Anonymous
You guys might also want to look up rhythmic gymnastics, as opposed to artistic, which is what Nastia does.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hRkHymoPi7c

Amazing rhythmic gymnast video.
>> Anonymous
>>288620
Ahahahaha oh wow, I was just looking up gymnastics on the Olympic website for the history of the games.

I really like Artist, after seeing what Nasta and Shawn did.
>> Anonymous
>>288620
>rhythmic gymnastics
Do they seriously have guys in that sport? I always just see girls.

Anyways should I just do want has been suggested in this thread if I want to get into Artist Gymnastics?
>> Anonymous
>>288620
They do have male rhythmic gymnastics, but not in the Olympics. They have at the gay games I think.

Besides, most male rhythmic gymnastics is more like martial arts than dance, from what I've seen.
>> Anonymous
>>288535
Thank you, I've been looking for a good regimen that I could follow.

>>288614
Gymnastics probably would be better for top physical form. Though dancing would give you the advantages of certain moves not done in gymnastics. For example, I doubt gymnasts could pull off smooth, flowy movement or be able to shake their hips. Even contemporary DANCERS can't pull that off well.

And I don't know about others, but I look towards dance because that's what I love. Crazy contortionist flexibility is not needed. Just splits, standing splits, and others like that is what I want. And I look to gymnastics to be able to do jumps and flips.
>> Anonymous
>>288620
That was amazing but I think I threw up in my mouth a little bit.
>> Anonymous
>>288649
Same here. I'll stick with being gymnast flexible like in those two previous pics. That contortion stuff is just too much for me.
>> Anonymous
>>288535
>>288620
After seeing pics on that site and watching that video...I have to say that's quite disgusting. Absolutely incredible, but disgusting.
>> Anonymous
OP here, and Jesus fucking Christ now I have too many god damn options. I don't know what to do. >_<
>> OP
Alright so what I got from this thread was that:
- I should start stretching everyday if I want to be more flexible like Shawn or Nastia.
- Get one of those coaches that helps with flexibility.
- Try to get into Artistic Gymnastics?
- Drink lots of water and eat healthier (hur dur).
Is this basically it?
>> Anonymous
>>288713
I dunno about the coach thing. But everything else is pretty good.

I suggest taking a yoga class seems like it would be cheaper and more beneficial to the body.
>> Anonymous
Flexibility is entirely the product of proper stretching. Unless you have fused vertebrae, you can do it too. It just takes a daily routine and the discipline to stick to it; like all other aspects of health.
>> OP
>>288735
So from what I learned in this thread, it is possible to become as flexible as Nastia and Shawn right? I am thinking about trying out for gymnastics, even if it's just for fun. Do they offer it in college?
>> OP
>>288767
>>288772
>>287959
>DRINK WATER. DRINK WATER ALL DAY AND ALL NIGHT. ALWAYS ALWAYS ALWAYS HAVE A BOTTLE OF IT AROUND.
Does drinking water really help replace having snacks? Because I usually find myself going to the fridge all of the time. Does water really help in not having to eat snacks? Also if I must have a snack, should I considered watermelon or any fruit with water in it?
>> Anonymous
Do bellydance, you know you want to!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1JoTGklpzsw

love her controlled backbend at 1:38
>> OP
>>288811
My brother's girlfriend is into bellydancing. lol
>> OP
>>288767
>fused vertebrae
I kind of wish I did just so I could stretch my body between my legs. Now that is something that can't possibly be achieved.
>> Anonymous
Could we archive this?
>> Anonymous
I just fucking realized something. I have god damn long ass legs and no muscle mass whatsoever for a male.
>> Anonymous
>>288859
Dress like a woman and go to a gay bar.
>> Anonymous
>>288883
No, because I am not gay.
>> Anonymous
You can get flexible if you're fat, but not as flexible as a lean person.

I've seen fat women do the splits and lift their feet up to their faces.
>> Anonymous
>>288859
Its okay, I used to be in the same boat as you.

Just go to gym and do some cardio/aerobic exercises.

:D
>> Anonymous
>>288941
>I've seen fat women do the splits

My sincerest condolences.
>> Anonymous
>>288942
All I really want to do is lose my belly fat, I really do not care about muscle mass.