More stretch in smooth... exercises?

[Rkatzrows]

I really want to increase my flexibility so I can have better stretch and separation in my smooth dances and if everneeded be able to stretch back in rumba... The pro women look like they're doing back bends and I just don't bend that wa way now that I am middle aged! (although I realize it's a lot about leg placement too). Any suggestions for ways I can work on this on my own or at a barre between lessons? Videos, exercises, etc?

 

[DrDoug]

You might try looking for info on "gyrokinesis", which as I understand it is the equipment-less version of Gyrotonic. I've been doing the latter for a couple years, and it's really helped me. I've also benefitted from resistance stretching, which has given me a lot more awareness of muscle anatomy and activation.

 

[fascination]

hot yoga....

 

[j_alexandra]

You might try looking for info on "gyrokinesis", which as I understand it is the equipment-less version of Gyrotonic. I've been doing the latter for a couple years, and it's really helped me. I've also benefitted from resistance stretching, which has given me a lot more awareness of muscle anatomy and activation.

THIS

 

[TurnsAre4Girls]

I'm with Fascination on this one.

As a guy and a cyclist I found my hips were also extremely tight. My partner pointed out my lack of flexibility on a regular basis. So I started hot yoga. 3 months later - 3x/week and I was a changed man.

I'll never have the flexibility some of the girls do in my classes (like what are these people- boneless??) but I increased my flexibility by very noticeable amounts. Now my partner is happy! Happy dance partner - happy life!

 

[ProgressNotPerfection]

hot yoga....

Do any of you guys have any experience in doing hot yoga at home? Regular yoga, barre, Pilates, etc. classes are (relatively) easy to participate in via zoom or other online platforms, but I can’t figure out a way to make just 1 single room in my house 105 degrees Fahrenheit (nor am I sure I’d want to). Possibly a bathroom (if it were large enough to use for this purpose) could be filled up with steam from a full tub of hot hot hot water?

Otoh, I live in South Carolina, and it’s July. So maybe I could simply do the stretching & poses in my backyard....

Related question: what are your opinions on whether hot yoga is more/less healthy, and more/less effective, than regular yoga, and/or gyrokinesis?

 

[j_alexandra]

Related question: what are your opinions on whether hot yoga is more/less healthy, and more/less effective, than regular yoga, and/or gyrokinesis?

What's your goal? These modalities produce different results. If I wanted to be able to sit on the floor with my legs stretched out, and bend forward and touch my nose to my knee, I'd go for one of these options over another. If I wanted to have a fluid, responsive upper body for Smooth, I'd choose different one.

 

[ProgressNotPerfection]

What's your goal? These modalities produce different results. If I wanted to be able to sit on the floor with my legs stretched out, and bend forward and touch my nose to my knee, I'd go for one of these options over another. If I wanted to have a fluid, responsive upper body for Smooth, I'd choose different one.

All of the above and then some. But I think my upper body is more in need of help (to get looser, more flexible, greater range of movement) than my lower body, right now.

 

[MerchantMe333]

I really want to increase my flexibility so I can have better stretch and separation in my smooth dances and if everneeded be able to stretch back in rumba... The pro women look like they're doing back bends and I just don't bend that wa way now that I am middle aged! (although I realize it's a lot about leg placement too). Any suggestions for ways I can work on this on my own or at a barre between lessons? Videos, exercises, etc?

Honestly, I would recommend some slow ballet movement that emphasizes on stretching outward - almost reaching up and away. Stretching your spine, though, is obviously most important.


This is probably a good starter, but try and go more slowly than how she goes here. IMO, internalizing the stretching is more important than being able to replicate it.

 

[j_alexandra]

All of the above and then some. But I think my upper body is more in need of help (to get looser, more flexible, greater range of movement) than my lower body, right now.

For that kind of fluidity/extension/range, you can rely on gyrokinesis, or even better, gyrotonic. And I'm going to beat the Yamuna Body Rolling drum again. Four months of daily YBR has changed the way I move.

 

[ProgressNotPerfection]

For that kind of fluidity/extension/range, you can rely on gyrokinesis, or even better, gyrotonic. And I'm going to beat the Yamuna Body Rolling drum again. Four months of daily YBR has changed the way I move.

I have a zoom session next week with a certified instructor in gyrotonic and gyrokinesis. Very excited about this!
What’s the difference between the two? Google is too vague.

I love my Yamuna Foot Wakers. Will look into the related Body Rolling thing.

 

[fascination]

Do any of you guys have any experience in doing hot yoga at home? Regular yoga, barre, Pilates, etc. classes are (relatively) easy to participate in via zoom or other online platforms, but I can’t figure out a way to make just 1 single room in my house 105 degrees Fahrenheit (nor am I sure I’d want to). Possibly a bathroom (if it were large enough to use for this purpose) could be filled up with steam from a full tub of hot hot hot water?

Otoh, I live in South Carolina, and it’s July. So maybe I could simply do the stretching & poses in my backyard....

Related question: what are your opinions on whether hot yoga is more/less healthy, and more/less effective, than regular yoga, and/or gyrokinesis?

what larinda said except I skip the humidifier because, well, I hate humidity...I would also strongly urge against 104 for anyone who has not had a recent physical...as this is not a great modality for people with blood pressure or blood sugar issues and, as always, you have to really hydrate...but, as far as flexibility, I find that it is the single most effective practice for me...I have not done much gyro...the bit I have done I found very enjoyable for both core and shaping

 

[j_alexandra]

I have a zoom session next week with a certified instructor in gyrotonic and gyrokinesis. Very excited about this!
What’s the difference between the two? Google is too vague.

I love my Yamuna Foot Wakers. Will look into the related Body Rolling thing.

gyrotonic uses big equipment that provides controlled resistance. Gyrokinesis is more using your own body with less Stuff.

Yamuna Body Rolling uses balls of different sizes and densities to assist and enhance stretch. That is the stupid Cliff Notes description.