Whole leg is tense/uncomfortable

[cmegown]

Hey folks, first post here, I'm on day 2 of the Power 90 challenge.

Some back story: I'm 6'2" 175lbs of natural weight. I'm skinny with next to zero muscle tone. I just turned 23 and have been trying to get off my ass and enjoy life more instead of taking the easy way and just watching tv and eating and playing video games all the time. No health problems with the exception of recent respiratory issues.

So I started Power 90 to try and force myself into a good daily regimen, and I'm only two days in and I can feel all sorts of muscles being used and getting sore! Good thing though, I suppose :P

The reason I'm writing this post is this: Doing the Sweat 1-2/Ab Ripper workout, I've noticed I cannot get ANYWHERE near the level of stretching they can. I realize they are in shape and WILL be able to do more than me, but I seriously can barely do some of the stretches. I don't know if it's muscle tension or if my tendons are suuuuuper tight, but my groin, hamstrings, and back of knees are extremely hard to stretch. I've found that if I am stretching and try to straighten my legs to get a better stretch my legs start shaking uncontrollably and I literally cannot straighten my legs.

Is this something I should seek help for from a doctor or physical therapist? Or do I just need to do several stretches a day until it gets better?

I'm trying to change my life and this is a unsettling roadblock I have come across, someone help! Please!

[Heidi]

Hi
If you have never done any flexibility work before and are used to being in a seated position for long periods then it is not surprising that you struggle with some of the stretches. The people doing the demo's are usually selected because they are pretty fit, flexible and experienced so they can demonstrate the correct way of doing things.
To increase flexibility you need to be stretching a minimum of twice a day (ideally 3-5 times!) to really make a difference and it can be really slow progress but just stick with it.
Don't try to force yourself into stretches as you may injure yourself. Just take the movement to the point where you can feel a gentle stretch (not uncomfortable) and hold it there. Don't try to match what the demonstrator can do.
You should start to notice a difference in the muscle groups you mentioned within 2-3 weeks.
Good luck!