Training Stiffness?

Table of Contents

1. STRETCH WITH ME

2. QUESTIONS FROM READERS

3. MOVEMENT OF THE DAY

STRETCH WITH ME
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QUESTIONS FROM READERS
Training Makes You Stiff—and What to Do About It

QUESTION:

Hi David,

I’m a boxer and athlete, so I do a lot of conditioning like jogging and sprinting. I’m not very flexible and sometimes get small joint pains. Could you share a stretching or mobility routine that might help? Thanks!

Your friend,

Elias

ANSWER:

Hey Elias!

I’m so glad you asked this question. When people do a lot of cardio—both low and high intensity—like you, they tend to develop a lot of stiffness. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but it does make it harder to move optimally!

The stiffer your body is, the easier it is to perform powerful movements for long periods of time. That’s why you’re getting stiffer—your body is adapting to your training in a way that helps you keep going strong.

You can counteract this by adding in a stretching routine—which is perfect, because that’s exactly what you’re asking for! I have a 30-minute follow-along video that’ll help a lot.

Stay Flexy,

David

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MOVEMENT OF THE DAY
Hollow Hold

How to perform it:

Lie on your back and engage your core by gently lifting your head, shoulders, and legs off the ground. Reach your arms straight overhead, biceps by your ears, while keeping your lower back pressed firmly into the floor.

Your body should resemble a shallow banana shape. Hold this position for time, typically 20–45 seconds.

Watch me perform this exercise here.

Why it helps:

This is a core control masterclass. The hollow hold teaches you to brace, which is essential for everything from lifting weights to protecting your spine during daily movement. It also helps improve posture and body tension.

Quick Tips:

• Can't hold the full version? No problem—bend your knees or bring your arms forward until you build enough strength.

• Keep your lower back glued to the floor the entire time—if it lifts, you’ve gone too far.

• Focus on slow, steady breathing throughout the hold.

Pro Tip: 

Think of this as a foundational core drill. The strength and control you build here carries over to pull-ups, handstands, and even squats and deadlifts. Master the basics, then progress by increasing hold time.

YOUR VOICE MATTERS
Stretching Much?

Since this newsletter is all about helping you stay active and flexy, we’re curious—how often do you stretch? Whether you only stretch when something feels tight or you follow a consistent routine, we’d love to know!