CharlieHechlerNonFiction

Recently, I have began to complicate my stretching routine. I have began to stay in each stretch for longer and implementing PNF (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation) into my stretches. This technique is where one pushes against the direction of the stretch to build mucular control in the stretched poition. In this case, when in the middle split I will start in a position where I feel a slight stretch, and squeeze my legs together pushing against the forces of gravity. Then after about 5 seconds I relax and descend lower, repeating the process until I find I can descend no further. I apply the same technique for the front splits. The actual length of my stretching sessions have extended to anywhere from 5 - 10 minutes. It is quite relaxing and fun to stretch, however, there is not enough time in the day and some days have gone by without any stretching especially when I spend so much time at school. Of course, with this upcoming break, there will be plenty of opportunity to make ...

 Hello my fellow bloggers! Progress has been made. Over the past week I have been almost completely consistent with doing the splits both ways at least once a day. Although I do not have photographic evidence of the progress I have made getting down into the splits is much easier and I am closer to the ground. Now it is time to stretch for longer. I have only been just getting down, and after a few seconds it becomes painful and I exit the stretch. For the following week I will force my way through the pain to my goal! I will hold the split for 20 seconds each way after doing a short warm up to prevent injury. I am unsure if I am on track to get the full splits by the end of the semester, but the goal does not matter! It is all about the journey of pain, suffering, and the pursuit of some arbitrary and meangingless goal. Thanks for being a part of this extensive journey my fellow bloggers. Until next time...

Struggling with conistency will be the largest challenge for me throughout this process. So far I have unfortunately been unable to make any work or progress towards a lengthy stretching session everyday. On the first day, I made a small attempt at one and discovered the pain which is stretching. As I descended into my attempt at the splits my inner thighs began to burn.  If I do not become more consistent with my stretching then I will not achieve my goals. I am going to set myself the goal of doing the splits for once a day for this week to establish the habit of stretching into my everyday routine. From there I will build on top of that and improve and lengthen my stretching routine without ever making it too unbearable for myself.