Stretching questions
This is not medical advice.
Question #1
I just got into stretching. I have literally zero flexibility, and haven’t hit the gym in 3 years. When I stretch I have burning/tingling/pain.
When I started out with the sit and reach stretch for example my skin was literally burning at my lower legs and when I would touch them it would hurt.Is this normal? It’s mostly gone now. Everytime I go a little further my feet and legs start to tingle. After a while the tingling is gone and it feels good. I’m just wondering if that is normal when a super inflexible person gets into stretching.
That might be common, but not normal. Don't sacrifice your back stability for arbitrary measures of flexibility. If you love stretching and yoga, get in person guidance. If you're doing this because you think it's healthy, that's different. Your body is telling you something is wrong.
There are ways to keep a neutral spine and stretch the hamstrings. Also consider one leg at a time. That decreases stress on the lower back.
People who can tolerate extreme flexibility also have great core strength and muscle tone, like gymnasts, and some yoga people.
There are times in rehab, when stretching is going to hurt, and might be necessary. However, that rationale and need, should be explained to you by a professional in person.
Question #2
Is stretching the same as working out?
If I'm having a session where I'm stretching do I have to stop to let my tendons/ligaments rest before going again or can I keep a pose indefinitely for more flexibility? Do I need a rest day too?
Short answer, no. That's such a great question, it'll make trainer's head explode. That question encompass the entire universe of human physiology. You're really missing context, meaning you have to be more specific.
Stretching is improving muscle length or flexibility, aerobic activity is cardio ( heart and lung based) workouts, strengthening is making muscles stronger.
I wouldn't hold more than 2 minutes, you might be stretching apart some structures too much.
Buy a used human physiology textbook for a high school curriculum. That would be a good start.
Yoga, pilates and Tai Chi can be stretching and strengthening at the same time holding and changing postures. So they could be classified as a workout.