How do you prevent potential injury?

[Powerkick]

If your muscles are generally prone to injuries, how do you go about starting the method? I am actually afrait of stretching and pulling something. My instructor recommended elasticsteel because he says it's pretty easy on the body.
I heard that working out in a hot room is a good idea.
Any suggestions? Thought?
Thank you.

[Kit]

The key to avoiding injury is to strengthen the muscles you are prone to injure.

The next important point is to not overdo things or push yourself too far. The old adage - no pain no gain - is wrong... any form of pain is a sign to stop... pain lets you know you are not strong enough.... build your flexibility and strength at the same time without overdoing it (I haven't bought Elastic steel but i assume this philosophy is what is taught in it? it is certainly the approach taught by Thomas kurz' material).

[Powerkick]

Thanks for your reply Kit,
when you say strenght and flexibility at the same time.
You mean in the same exercise or different exercise for strength and for flexibility but pracised in the same work out?
From my understanding Zaichik's recommendations vary depending on the level of training.
I am not in a huge rush, so going slow is not a problem.

Thanks.

[Allstretch]

Powerkick,
It's like this. When you do regular conditioning you strech with light streches. Than you do extended length, that is stretching and strengthening at the same time. Later on you do deep stretches, kick specific stuff that is stretching, strengthening in a way that you need to do splits and kicks.
Also Kit,
what I did not like about Kirz method is that he showed a bunch of exercises and than said go and do it. Do what, when, how? Steel is more organized. Principals are the same. I like steel more it, cause it's more developed and uses principles better.

[Kit]

Powerkick said:
when you say strenght and flexibility at the same time.
You mean in the same exercise or different exercise for strength and for flexibility but pracised in the same work out?
As Allstretch said, you can train strength and flexibility at the same time, or seperately... any strength exercise that involves making use of full range of movement will help. For example side lunges will help build strength and flexibility towards getting the side split. Front and rearlunges will help the build strength and flexibility for front split. Then there is isometric or PNF stretching which work on building strength in the muscles whilst they are in a stretched position.
You can also work on strength without stretching as well.
My guess is from what Allstetch says that all of this or alternative ways to build strength and flexibility are included in Elastic Steel? So check your book for more info.

Allstretch said: what I did not like about Kirz method is that he showed a bunch of exercises and than said go and do it. Do what, when, how? Steel is more organized. Principals are the same. I like steel more it, cause it's more developed and uses principles better.

I don't really want to harp on about who's method is better or worse. There are many resources out there and it is up to the athelete to be flexible enough in their mind to seek out and try new ways of progressing and building themselves. For me Mr kurz provides a wealth of information for those who want to really understand the principles and methods in detail. It may take some thought integrate that information into a taining program, but the information gained rolls over into all aspects of training, not just the stretching. The information i have gained has improved my overall health (lost a stack of weight) general strength gains and martial art performance. From what you are saying Elastic steel puts it all in a clear concise picture, which is great! It is good to see a variety of explanations and approaches! Helps us all to get where we want to be!

[Powerkick]

I am looking through exercises and recommendations.
Thank you Kit and Allstretch for your replies. :D