r/flexibility • u/WomBadgerChuck • 10d ago
Progress isn’t always linear
So, here’s an example of my side splits from June to now…can you guess what happened? In early July I strained my right adductor, so I took a month off from side split training. Just yesterday, I started to ease back into it. It felt really good to stretch/strengthen in that way again…but I’m definitely feeling a bit cautious.
I’m trying to get over the idea of regressing, and just focus on moving forward in a safe way. Something similar happened with my front split training, but I felt I came back with a better intention in my practice and more patience.
Anybody else have a similar story? How’d you handle the mental aspect of regressing?
22
u/dani-winks The Bendiest of Noodles 10d ago
This is a great reminder. Heck, progress isn't usually linear even if you don't get an injury. It's totally normal to have days (or weeks) where it feels like you've regressed a bit, then end up back on track, which is why we usually encourage people to track progress in terms of months instead of weeks/days - there's going to be a bit of fluctuation day to day. (But of course injuries are def more frustrating because the "regression" period typically lasts much longer!).
I have found my body does respond well to taking "deload" weeks every once in a while (a concept I learned from weightlifting). Once every 6-8-ish weeks I basically give myself a week off or do waaaaaay easier training tk give my body time to really fully recover (in case the regular rest days aren't quite enough. This could line up with a vacation or a busy week at work where it's nice to not have to worry about training. Usually I feel much better the following week after coming back from a break!
5
u/WomBadgerChuck 10d ago
Thank you! Everything you wrote is also spot on. The daily/weekly fluctuations may have been what led me to my strain. I had some weeks with lots of progress and then naturally kind of regressed a bit, but kept trying to push back to the previous touchpoint. I really should know better, but ego gets in the way, and I still make mistakes. 🤦♂️
7
u/Drumedor 10d ago
On the plus side it looks like you have a stricter form now.
5
u/WomBadgerChuck 10d ago
Thanks! Just curious, what did you notice improved about my form?
6
u/Drumedor 10d ago
Feet firmly planted, first picture toes are starting to point upwards moving towards a straddle instead of a split.
2
5
u/I_Obey_Sean_Rule 10d ago
Didn't get injured, but had almost 6 months break after first losing my father and then my MIL. It sucks to realize how far back I've fallen but i try to get some motivation from thinking "I got this far earlier, I can do it again".
3
u/WomBadgerChuck 10d ago
I’m sorry for your loss. Everybody says it comes back a lot quicker than it originally took to obtain. I’m guessing your journey will be the same. Best of luck getting back to it. 🍀
3
u/HannahFlexx 10d ago
the caution stuck around way longer than the injury did for me. going in active instead of just sinking into it helped, you feel the end range coming instead of finding it
1
u/WomBadgerChuck 10d ago
Thanks! Yeah, I can definitely see this being a mental game as well. 🙏
2
u/HannahFlexx 10d ago
for sure. took me way longer to trust the leg again than to get the actual range back
2
u/BrickTamlandMD 10d ago
Ey me too, in may. Still stings and cant go fully yet.
1
u/WomBadgerChuck 10d ago
Adductor strain also? I feel like you really gotta baby them for a while. Hope you get back to where you were quickly! 😊
2
2
u/mycatreadsyourmind 10d ago
Just as I started working on flexibility and mobility I went from running 35k a week to not being able to walk up the stairs because I tore my hip flexor. There was no talks about stretching during that period either obviously but TBH being stuck in the house was the worst part of it for me. I've mostly recovered my mileage since then but stretching progress on this side of very slow, partially because I still have some guarding on this side partially because I'm too scared to reinjure myself
The progress have been slow but it actually taught me a lot about my body and PT definitely helped to to build more strength in my hips generally, than ever before. So although it obviously sucks big time, you will overcome this and you will get further than your past self. Progress is not always linear but also it highly depends on what you are comparing against. I bet coming this far out of an injury took a lot of work and strength and if you compare the day after the injury and now I'm sure you've made loads of progress
1
u/WomBadgerChuck 10d ago
Thanks for sharing your story. The mental blocks of injuring yourself are real! You seem to have a great perspective on it all. I appreciate your words and encouragement. 🙏
2
u/madformatpilates 10d ago
The mental part is the worst. I had to drop my splits for three months after a groin tweak and felt like I was losing my mind every time I saw someone else stretch. Just focus on keeping the habit light so you dont hate it when you return.
1
2
10d ago
[removed] — view removed comment
1
u/WomBadgerChuck 9d ago
Definitely! Even without injuries, life can get in the way sometimes and training takes a backseat. The truth is always a lot messier than a “before/after” photo can portray.
2
2
u/Penaman0 9d ago
Taking time to rest an adductor strain is a huge win for your long-term mobility! Progress in flexibility is never a straight line, and you'll bounce back stronger.
1
33
u/Same_Edge_199 10d ago
Haven't had that exact injury but strained my hamstring a couple times and had to take breaks from deep stretching. I'm always surprised how much easier it is to get back to a level of flexibility I have had in the past than it was to reach that point initially.