Bruce Lee Stretching Routine

for Bruce Lee Flexibility

Bruce Lee stretching routine Bruce Lee flexibility warmup 1

Stretching was a vital component of Bruce Lee’s daily workout. Bruce Lee understood that flexibility is useful for all forms of exercise, from martial arts to cross training, weight lifting to gymnastics, football to basketball, baseball to track, etc.

The Bruce Lee stretching routine was specific and regimented. It was a simple way for Bruce Lee to warm up, help prevent injury and increase his range of motion. Here’s a clip of a Bruce Lee stretching routine from the film “Way of the Dragon“:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p4ZNHYHubLc

Before the final fight against Chuck Norris, Bruce Lee can be seen doing a series of flexibility stretches to warm up. He was known to constantly stretch even while on a film set. Lee would review the film dailies while hoisting one leg up on a chair to help him maintain his flexibility and keep loose for the next fight scene.

Bruce Lee stretching routine Bruce Lee flexibility warmup with martial arts student

Bruce Lee Stretching Routine Warm Up Video

The Bruce Lee stretching routine is, for the most part, still used by many martial artists and athletes to this day. Watch the Bruce Lee stretching video below and then read on for more details on different stretching positions.

Bruce Lee Stretching Exercises

& Bruce Lee Flexibility Training

Seated & Standing Hamstring Stretch

Raise one leg up on a bar like a ballet dancer. This stretches the rear thigh muscle.

Bruce Lee stretching routine Bruce Lee flexibility warmup 2

Hurdler’s Stretch

This stretches the hamstrings and groin. The old-school version Bruce did (first picture) has recently been found to cause stress in the knee ligaments, so a modified version (second picture) is commonly used where, instead of assuming a hurdler’s position with one knee bent at a 45-degree angle behind you, you fold the sole of your foot on the leg you are not stretching against the inside of your stretched thigh.

Bruce Lee stretching routine Hurdler’s Stretch (Old School & Modern)

Seated Groin Stretch

This opens the hips and stretches the groin and inner thighs. Standing Hip Stretch – This stretches the hip and buttocks.

OPTP Stretch Out Strap

This stretching strap delivers the benefits of PNF stretching without a partner. Includes a stretch strap exercise guide.

Standing Hip Stretch

This stretches the hip and buttocks.

Lunging Stretch

This stretches the hips, buttocks and front thighs. Step forward with one leg with the other back leg straight. Keep the torso upright with hands on hips.

Bruce Lee training Lunging Stretch

Thigh Stretch

This stretches the large muscles on the front of the thighs. Grab an ankle behind you with the opposite hand and pull upwards. Use the other hand to hold onto a wall for balance.

Bruce Lee workout Thigh Stretch

Calf Stretch

This stretches the back of the lower legs. Similar to the lunge, but done against a wall with the back foot flat on the ground. Lower legs. Similar to the lunge, but done against a wall with the back foot flat on the ground.

North American Healthcare Foot Rocker

This stretching aid helps attain the optimal foot position for safe and effective stretching. One size fits all. It also relieves pain from plantar fasciitis, Achilles tendonitis, ankle strain & arch pain.

Side Stretch

This stretches the muscles along the core.

Bruce Lee exercise workout Side Stretch

Lower Back Stretch

This stretches the lower back. Seated on the ground with legs kicked outward, lean forward and use the hands to crawl as far forward as possible.

Bruce Lee exercise training workout Lower Back Stretch

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Bruce Lee Stretching Tips & Warm Up Advice

Warm Up First

Many people believe that stretching is the actual warm up exercise for their chosen fitness activity. This is not true. Before you stretch, do a proper warm up. How? Get the blood flowing by jumping rope, running in place or doing jumping jacks. Learn more Bruce Lee warm ups on the Bruce Lee Cardio Fitness page.

Stretch Early

Bruce Lee would start the day off by loosening up your joints and shaking off the rust. Your body will thank you for it later.

Hold the Stretch

Hold each stretch for at least 30 seconds. Doing so enables the muscles to expand over time without injury.

Don’t Bounce

Bouncing as you stretch only serves to shock the muscles and can cause injuries. Overaggressive stretching can also send signals to the brain telling it to tighten up to protect the muscles from damage.

Breathe

Oxygen and blood flow are core ingredients to muscle flexibility and stretching. Ultimately, oxygen fuels blood flow.

Develop Bruce Lee Flexibility! Learn Bruce Lee Warm Ups!

Bruce Lee The Man with goatee chilling on tiger rug
A note to our Bruce Lee flexibility readers:

Bruce Lee used a wide variety of exercises including weight training, body strength training, circuit training, isometrics, ab workouts, stretching, diet and cardio fitness. He used the best training equipment available to get that muscular Bruce Lee body in his classic martial arts movies. Bruce Lee’s perfect body, wisdom, charisma and kung fu skill inspired books on his life, philosophy & martial arts!

Visit the Bruce Lee Workout homepage for a complete breakdown on all the Bruce Lee training programs and Bruce Lee workout routines. Workout Like Bruce Lee!