Flexibility...groin and hips...help...please

[bc55]

So, I started kickboxing a little over 1 month ago. I realize I have not been at it for very long, but so far my biggest obstacle is my lack of flexibility. I have been regularly warming up, and then stretching...for those familiar with it, I work my way through the Gracie Stretch Routine, doing what I can...some of those stretches are way too advanced for me. I have noticed some improvement to my range of motion, but i'm still having a very hard time with my roundhouse and side kicks due to the fact that i can't stretch my legs any higher than thigh high when lifting them to the side...I feel the extreme tightness in my groin and my hips. Does anyone have any tips, or am I just expecting to see too big of an improvement too fast? Should I just chill and be patient and continue with my daily workouts and stretching?

[btwrestler119]

be patient, it takes longer than a month to get flexible, you could try stretching in a sauna that works well for me. It warms your muscles up so your more flexible and you can get better stretches.

[admbaum]

ummm....whats the Gracie Stretch Routine?

[Rheedanny]

yea what is that

[Varth]

Flexibility isn't something you obtain from day to night. It takes years to have extreme flexibility. As a muay thai-er I have to strech a lot and my teacher pushes me a lot. Take a look at this website that a other member of this forum reccomended for some guy.
Tricks Tutorials.com

Do the dynamic stretching for lower body stretches and trunk stretching 2 times a day if you can. Always try to evolve or your muscles will fixate on a level and you won't have progress. Keep trying hard. Good luck.

[Revok]

Have patience. Get into a habit of light static stretching straight out of bed - a lot of people swear by this. Dynamic stretching pre-training, and dedicated PNF/isometric/contrast breathing stretching sessions every few days. It'll come soon enough.

Also, remember that you already have all the flexibility you'll ever need, it's just a case of re-educating your nervous system to open up and become comfortable with an increased range of motion. Yoga teaches this. Always relax into a stretch, never force it. To try is to fail.

[bc55]

Thanks to everybody that has left an answer here. I appreciate all the feedback. Been thinking about yoga, and i'm trying to make stretching a part of my everyday routine...early morning, before i practice and before bed.
For those of you that asked "whats the gracie stretch routine?"...royce gracie put out a book with james strom, a former strength coach for usc, called "super fit" there are many different excercise programs outlined....weight training, cardio, ab work, isolaterals, plyometrics...there are some dieting plans (though i don't follow them) and the book starts off with a stretch routine...there are 40 stretches that can be done solo and almost 30 others that can be done with a partner. there are some great stretches in the routine and alot of very advanced stretches...worth checking out though.