John-What is your stretching routine like?

[Black Knight]

I saw you in a picture in the full lotus position.Thats no easy feat especially for a man.And its even harder for a man with your level of muscular developement.Just wondering what kind of stretching routine you do.

[gruntbrain]

He also displays his flexibility when while laying face up he can place his knees near his ears.

I'd also like to find out more about his flexibility regime

[Black Knight]

Im glad atleast one other person feels this way.I posted the same question a while back with no response.Im beginning to think John has some secret ninja stretching routine that he wont reveal to us commonfolf.:act-up:i guess will just have to wait for that book.

[John Peterson]

Hey Black Knight,


Thank You. I've been doing the Atlas exercises (all of which and more are contained in PYTP) since I was a kid. These have a built in stretching component that are a major part of their overall benefits as they protect the joints far better than better than other exercises because they simultaneously develop strength, flexibility, and promote full range joint mobility. Atlas himself said that they create longer, lithe muscles (That his ads referred to as "streamlined") as opposed to hard, knotty muscles. At age 56 I have absolutely no problem performing Atlas style Sit-Ups touching my forehead to my knees or performing Atlas Leg Raises full range and touching the floor above and behind my head. I think exercising from multiple angles as Atlas recommended is the key to lifelong suppleness. Thanks again

---John Peterson

[Black Knight]

Thanks for the response,but im still a little confused.I know from personal experince that the leg raises stretch the back, and the Atlas pushups stretch the the shoulders and lats very well but what about your hip flexibility.In my experince the Hindu Pushups hit them decently but still for most men we tend to be tighter in this area then women.So i guess my real question is what do you do for your hip flexibility.Or do you just have naturally looser more pliable muscles due to your pure life style and natural way of working out.

Your response would be greatly appreciated.In my sport and pretty much all sports hip flexibity is crucial.Thanks again.

[gruntbrain]

I'm satisfied with JP's response that flexibility is a builtin component of performing isotonics using full ROM ( dymnamic vs static stretching) . Of course, being flexible with strength at all ROMs is ideal so some static isometric stretches are invaluable

[gruntbrain]

PYTP joint mobility drills done in varying amplitudes & DVR intensities can help with a strength flexibility pgm; you want healthy joints if you gonna maximally stress 'em with ISO stretches

[Greg Newton]

Hi Dark Knight,

From pesonal experience, the Atlas situps, John's eight count leg raises, and the squat thrusts from the Atlas back program have all contributed to my hip and lower back flexibility. Other things such as the Atlas lat/back row and the Leiderman leg press out assist as well. Several of these exercises I could not do at first because of inflexibilty. In time, without forcing, the flexibillity came.

Currently I am working on the full range Atlas leg raise, where you raise your torso to touch the toes behind the head. The more supple my spine is, the more flexible I seem to be. I seldom stretch, although If I feel particularly beat up or kinked, I do spend time stretching with tension and then relaxation.

[gruntbrain]

Add Royce's high steps(knees to chest while standing) for fab flexibility