Stretching

[Cush]

Thank you PhysicsOnIce! That really helps a lot. I am definitely going to start trying to stretch this way instead of on the floor.
Query, you are right. Actually one of the first reviews on Amazon shows how to make one yourself using dog-leash straps. I'll be busy doing just that tomorrow.

[Doubletoe]

I've posted a list--with detailed descriptions--of the 30-minute stretch routine I do at the rink after skating, which are mostly stretches taught to me by my physical therapist.  Thanks to this routine, I got my forward splits in both directions for the first time in my life in my 40's.  I don't have time to do a search for the post(s) right now, but I think I posted it within the past few months as a response in somebody's thread.  The most important thing is to hold each position for at least 30 full seconds (use a stopwatch if you have one0 and to use correct form.  No shortcuts.

[Loops]

That was a very good post, too Doubletoe!

It's here: http://skatingforums.com/index.php?topic=6001.0

find reply #22.  Don't know how to link to that reply specifically, otherwise I'd have done it.

[Doubletoe]

Thank you, Loops!

[TreSk8sAZ]

I have a Flexistretcher, which I have come to love. It's a combination of a resistance band (elastic in the middle) and straps (coming down from the elastic on both sides). The nice thing about it is that it helps with the flexibility part, but it also helps strengthen because of the resistance. And you can adjust the resistance as needed by shortening or lengthening the straps. I'm not strong enough to hold some of the positions I can get to, but by doing different control exercises it's beginning to help that as well.