One of my favorite overall body stretches, if not THE most used and favorite one (along with the downward dog position in the Hindu Pushup and the "patented Rahul Mookerjee" squat) in Isometric anf Flexibility Training is also one I use throughout the day.
I use it when I'm tired - and feeling great.
I use it when I'm low on energy - and when I need to stretch.
I use it before - and after working out.
I use it to warm up - to cool down - and in between.
Most of all, to stretch - basically, I use it ... all the time!
What is it, you ask?
Well, it's a stretch done on one leg that stretches the butt and hamstrings (by extension the hips) - beyond belief.
As your joints "lock" into place as they were supposed to be once again, you literally feel things start to :flow" again.
This feeling is difficult to explain in writing alone, but those that have done it, and especially those of you with tight hamstrings will understand!
I've always had tight hamstrings (perhaps from an overreliance on "studies" and none on sports growing up except swimming, and swimming is great, but the calves and hamstrings need to be stretched a lot, and differently from how they're used in swimming alone!).
And it feels great every time I do it.
It also feels ... noisy!
Like literally, bones knocking into place but without the "grinding on top of each other" that happens when you're injured.
Like, muscles and ligaments knotting back into joints ...
Like, tendons stretching OUT - and the tension cracking out - kinda like when you crack your knuckles!
With that in mind, a reader from the U.K. Amy asked me this the other day.
Hello Rahul,
(there were a few questions on 0 Excuses Fitness that I won't get into here, but the last bit was...)
My limbs seem to be make a lot of noise when I bend down in the squatting position, and especally when I stretch and move about like you told me to.
(she's a personal coaching customer)
Is this something to be worried about?
....
Long answer short, in case you didnt get it by now - - no!
In SOME cases, if it's excessive, you might want to check and see if you're doing something wrong .
But in most cases, the clicking, clacking, locking back into place and stuff - it all happens because things are realigning inside.
Because ligaments and tendons are getting stronger - both when you train and stretch.
This morning, when I woke up, I rested my weight on one arm unconsciously.
And ... POP!
My entire neck / shoulder region popped.
It felt loud as heck to me, even amidst the air con running ...
But it felt great too without trying!
Ditto for when I squat down occasionally, or do other stretches ...
Anyway, this sounds like a simple enough thing.
But believe it or not, many people have asked, so I'll address it now.
I just did.
And I'll be back soon!
Best,
Rahul Mookerjee
PS - Truly the missing link that connects everything else I've written in my other books is the book on isometrics. Pick up your copy NOW.