Stretching

Although this is not specificaily related to losing weight, flexibility can definately come in handy on the mat. These stretches are a combination of figure skating, gymnastics, and wrestling stretches I have been tought over the years.If you think any of these are isselavent, or if you have any more good stretches, please leave a comment below. Start out with less intense stretches, then move up to the harder ones. Remember to hold everything, and don't push yourself to the point of pain. I did that in sixth grade and ended up limping around for a week. Finally, remember that repitition is key. If you can, do these every night right before you go to sleep, or right away when you wake up. Use it or lose it! good luck.
Pike- Sit on the ground with your feet straight out in front of you. bend foreward and try to touch your toes. point or flex your feet for a different stretch. Try to arch your back as you bend. You should eventually be completely flat, with your stomach pressed against your legs.
Toe Touches- very similar to the pike. Bend down slowly, trying to keep your back arched. For a slightly easier stretch, cross your feet as you bend down, or put your feet shoulder-width apart.
Lunges- kneel down with one knee touching the ground and the other up to the sky, like you are proposing to someone. Pull your hips down and forward, trying to make a straight like between both knees. Remember to keep the back leg in line with the body (not twisted over onto one side). Always do both sides.
Hurdlers- Like pikes, but a little bit easier. sit on the ground with one foot straight in front and the other one with your foot about half way up the thigh- so that your leg makes a p shape. bend forward slowly and hold. For more of a chalenge, cross your foot over the straight leg. Remember to keep your knee down, and do noth sides.
Back Bends- Very usefull for getting out of pins. Make sure your stomach muscles are strong enough to hold you up- don't rely on an arm rest or some other thing to help you, or you'll have a bad back by the time you're 20. Stand in front of a counter or dresser with your feet a few inches away from the edge. Push your hips forward and arch your back slowly. I do not recomend you do this on wooden floors in socks. That would end badly.
Rockers- Not actually their real name, but I'm too lazy to look it up. Lie on your stomach and bend your knees. Grab your ankles (so that your body makes an o shape), and arch your back untill your body looks like a raindrop from the side. Rock forwards and backwards.
Childs pose- sit down with your legs tucked under. loean forward, trying to keep your back flat (not curved out). Hold. Very relaxing.