Thank you everyone for all the input, it is greatly appreciated. It would be nice to figure this out. Everyone I see touching there toes after a work pt comment on how good and relaxing it is to stretch. I find hamstring stretches to be painfully and rather uncomfortable. I've tried to push through but it doesn't help
@Karl : I feel your pain... I am pretty tight in moste directions. Most stretches are very uncomfortable and I can hardly find a stable start position.
The 90/90 hip stretch used to be liked this. After a couple months (2 or 3) it started to change. Aftert about 6 months it started to get somewhat comfortable. I started the 90/90 prior to S+S, as part of GMBs Focused Flexibility course and inspired by some FRC vids. Nowadays I actually find the 90/90 relieving!
But the Straddle QL stretch is horrible for me. I try to be patient and get my way through the first hard months (I have to sit on a stool, bent my legs and hold onto something).
Some things I have learned:
- Spend time finding the sweet spot of tension and relaxation. Do it like you would do and S+S session: Somewhat challenging, but rather recharching. You should be able to do it again the next day. Sometimes, when you feel like it, push more.
- On most days, don't push that much! As others have noted: Work with the rhythm of your breath. Relax on the exhale (it might help to consciously relax your jaw and fists - and in some positions I like to wiggle a bit). Don't stretch in a crossfit mindset... it's a marathon and not a sprint.
- Spend more than 2 minutes in a position. I like to listen to the Beatles when I stretch, as a lot of their earlier songs are pretty short.
- Because this takes time: Only do 2-3 stretches per day. Maybe 4-6 total. But really focus on the most important stuff for two months or so. 80/20!
- Personally I vary my stretching style a bit. Mostly I contract on the inhale. Contracting might mean pushing away from the stretched position, pulling my self into the stretched position - or trying to stay in the stretch position without the help of hands or props. This trains your end range strength. Some people obsess about this range. In FRC you will work reeeeally hard. It works, but it is a pain (at least for me, most of the time). Sometimes I just relax for some breaths and try to let go.
- Your CNS must be sure, that you can control the stretched ROM, so you need to be able to breath pretty normally and to exert some strength there.
- I like to do foam rolling after (!) stretching. I am often quite tense from stretching, since even the basic positions are uncomfortable and since I like to strengthen my end rang. Some foam rolling helps me to relax.
- After stretching have fun! Play around and move! I love the yoga style of Michael Mike Taylor from Strala yoga. Just explore and be soft. If you do S+S you'll have plenty hardstyle and tensing in your movement anyway.
And for the toe touch thing: You might google Gray Cook Toe Touch. There are some helpful tips about shifting weight on the heels and so forth.
This is just my experience - although I am by no means an expert.
-B-