Has any adult-onset swimmer succeeded in increasing ankle flexibility?
Former Member
My ankle inflexibility seems to be a huge drag to my freestyle and backstroke. In my attempts to increase ankle flexibility, I have employed a couple of methods suggested elsewhere in this forum - (1) assuming the "child's tv-watching" position, with my lower legs folded beneath my buttocks and (2) using fins.
However, after three months, I don't seem to have gained any more flexibility in the ankle joints. Have other adult-onset swimmers been able to gain ankle flexibility through these methods or otherwise?
New Daddy, I'm one to easily turn an ankle almost every time I play basketball. Inevitably, I end up taking a step on either ankle at some point, but usually I can press onward as if nothing happened. About 6mo ago, had a particularly painful one, and since have been stretching my ankles out in the morning by lying on my back, pulling my leg to my chest, and making circles - 20 wax on, 20 wax off; repeat other leg. I think it has helped some.
Another stretch I did right after the painful ankle turn was making my ABCs with my foot. That is something that AT's tell people to do with strains and sprains. That works your ankle flexibility in pretty much every imaginable direction. Just like writing, its going to be very funky with your "off" foot.
Former Member
I have the same problem - a carry over from lots of running and cycling (where a highly flexible ankle is not all that desireable) but have made some improvements doing the same ankle stretches. I've seen a product called "The Rack" looks like an instrument of torture but is aimed at improving range of motion. Think it is marketed by Finis. Has anyone out there used it?
Blackbeard, thanks for the reply. But I tend to think that turning an ankle when playing basketball is not caused by ankle inflexibility but, rather, by ankle instability. As I understand, ankle flexibility and ankle stability are somewhat at odds with each other.
But flexible or loose ankles can lead to injuries, when you're running or playing soccer for example ... (Just like shoulder laxity leads to shoulder injuries.)
If you want flexible ankles, try using fins once in awhile. :cool:
Former Member
Take some dance classes. Ballet is preferable...not for the leaping about to music part but for the stretching of your legs. see if there is an instructior that you can talk to nearby and tell them your goal.
Otherwise get a book and do the work at home too. You should see improvement but of course an older body takes longer to adjust.
Former Member
Years of horseback riding have made my ankles extremely flexible.
Former Member
Up until my very late twenties, I could make the tops o f my feet touch. Showing off my ankle flesibility is still a great and entertaining way to make time seem less awkard durign those few moments after you decide what to do next -get out of bed or fall asleep.
Former Member
I've not used the rack (though I could probably benefit from it). It's marketed by the Zoomers folks: www.zoomers.net/rack.htm.
Skip Montanaro
Now that DOES look like a torturing device..
