increasing flexibility

[mintpoppet]

Apart from regular stretches is there any good was of increasing flexibility. I'm really inflexible and think my running and swimming would benefit from additional stretchiness!

*way

Anyone?

Yoga or pilates, I think.

No yoga classes in my town and pilates is in the daytime and I work. Would a dvd help?

Look up Kino Yoga on youtube
Are there any stretch & tone classes at your leisure centre?
Are there any yoga classes in church halls dotted around?

The main thing to remember with all stretching is to keep your knees bent until all other joints are loose - most people have VERY tight lower backs and that can only be stretched if your legs are bent.

Test yourself :
Crouch on the floor on tiptoe and put your hands flat next to your feet.
Now gently lift your hips up till your heels go down.
Lift your hips a bit more, keeping your hands flat, next to your feet.
When you reach your limit (which will be a LONG way off straight legs) drop down and repeat.