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Stretch Aggressive? Or Soft?
Table of Contents
Narratives
Are You Stretching Too Hard… or Not Enough?
Before we begin, I made free follow-along routines for you!
Most people think stretching is about lying there, melting pleasantly, and magically becoming flexible.
That's not how it works.
Good flexibility training is more like having a tough but honest conversation with your nervous system.
Sweet-Talk Your Muscles
When you enter a stretch, your brain quietly asks, "Is this safe? Are we under attack? What's the plan here?"
If you stretch too aggressively, the answer is "nope," and your muscles lock up. If you stretch too softly, the conversation never even starts.
But if you breathe deeply, ease in gradually, and find intensity without pain…
Your nervous system relaxes. It learns to trust you.
How to apply this:
Breathe to relax. Slow exhales help your body release tension.
Hold the hardest part of the stretch. The real gains happen there, but never push into pain.
Stay consistent. Flexibility favors repetition, consistency over intensity.
So, next time you stretch, don't yank, and don't bail out. Negotiate.
And as always, if you’re looking for a bit more guidance along the way, I’d love for you to check out my flexibility program.
If you’re interested in my program, reply “Foundation!” for an awesome surprise.
Stay Flexy,
David
Ready to keep the momentum going?
Scroll down to check out today’s challenge and see how you do!
Movement of the Day
Active Hamstring Lunge
This movement builds hamstring flexibility and strength while improving hip mobility.
Watch the demo here.
How to Do It:
From a lunge position, keep your front heel grounded. Shift your hips back and lift your front toes to stretch your hamstring. Press your heel down by flexing your hamstring and hold for 20 to 30 seconds per side.
Tips:
Keep your back straight
Maintain steady breathing
Focus on active tension, not relaxation
Many of these exercises are featured in my condensed flexibility routine.
Myth-Busting
MYTH: Lifting weights is only for men
It’s hard to get bulky for both men and women. Strength training is one of the best ways to stay strong, support joints, and protect bone density. Since women lose bone density faster after menopause, lifting weights becomes even more important with age.
Stretch with Me
Your Step-by-Step Path to the Middle Split
I created this follow-along routine to help beginners and intermediates safely improve their middle splits.
Subscribe to @WorkoutsbyDavid for more follow-along videos!
Your Voice Matters
The STRETCH Podcast
We’re exploring the idea of turning each newsletter edition into a podcast episode. Let us know what you think by voting below. Thanks!
Would you listen to the STRETCH podcast? |
Today’s Challenge
Side Bend Stretch
Reach one arm overhead and lean to the opposite side for 30 seconds each way.
Reply and tell me which side felt tighter.
Check out last week’s challenge here.
How did you do on the last challenge? |
Thanks For Reading
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