If you want to receive the best self defense training possible, you’ll need to put an equal amount of effort into your flexibility as you do your strength. Unfortunately, many Krav Maga beginners get so excited about learning this powerful system that they tend to neglect flexibility work. It can be difficult to slow down and stretch when all you want to do is move, but experts agree that improving flexibility is just as, if not more, important than actual self-defense training.
How Does Stretching Help You do Your Best in Self Defense Training?
Not only does proper stretching improve your training results, but going without it can also be dangerous.
Flexibility:
- Improves your posture and balance
- Reduces the chances of injuries, including muscle tears, pulls, and soreness
- Increases the amount of nutrients that are delivered to your muscles
- Calms and soothes the mind to focus on training
- Encourages deep breathing that can increase awareness, giving you a better shot at defending yourself
What are Some Stretching Tips for the Best Self Defense Training?
Anything you can do to improve your flexibility will benefit your Krav Maga training and overall sense of well-being. Even a few minutes a day will make an impact. However, if you want to do everything possible to increase flexibility, you might want to take advantage of these simple tips.
- Always Warm up Prior to Stretching
Muscles will not properly stretch unless they are warmed up, so it’s a good idea to arrive early to your Krav Maga class if you want to allow enough time for a short warm up and stretching session. Parking a few blocks away from class and walking is an easy way to warm up your muscles and have them ready to stretch by the time you get there. It might take a few extra minutes, but the benefits will be worth it.
- Learn About Proper Stretching Practices
Flexibility work is slow paced and requires a lot of patience. The last thing you want to do is attempt to force your body into a deeper stretch in an effort to speed up progress. It won’t work, and you’ll increase your chances of injury. Instead, approach your stretches slowly, breathing deeply and allowing gravity to gradually take you further into the stretch. Over time, you will see your flexibility begin to increase
- Never Skip a Post-Workout Stretching Session
Warming up and stretching is important prior to a workout, but it’s definitely impossible to get the best self defense training if you don’t stretch after each session. It can be challenging to make yourself take the time to stretch once your class is completed, especially if you’re attempting to fit Krav Maga training into an already-busy life. However, if you don’t make the time, you’ll be missing out on many of the benefits of training, and you might even be doing more harm than good.
- Consider a Separate Flexibility Practice
Yoga is an excellent practice to complement your Krav Maga training. It increases flexibility, balance, and awareness, all of which can go a long way in keeping you alert and ready to defend yourself. If you have the means, taking an additional yoga class is a great idea, but if not, taking 15 to 20 minutes each day to practice a few basic yoga poses at home will still help.
Krav Maga Worldwide: Dedicated to Your Progress
Here at Krav Maga Worldwide, we are continually working on improving our self defense programs. It’s our goal to help our clients develop the confidence, strength, awareness, and skill required to defend themselves in any situation. If you’re ready to experience the best self defense training available today, please contact us now. We are proud to be part of the Krav Maga Association of America (KMAA).
