Flexibilty/Splits

[Hollie-x]

Okay so this is probably a really random thread, but tbh you can't expect much more from me! Anyways, I've been trying for ages to go right down into the splits, no particular reason, I don't do cheerleading, gymnastics, dance or anything like that, but I'd just like to improve my flexibilty for something to do really lol. So I was just wondering if anybody knows of any good stretches that will help? I'm about an inch off the floor, I used to be able to do them (side splits btw, I seriously cannot do box/straddle although I'd love to be able to!) but after I stopped like practising and what not it just went.

Anyways, again, sorry for such a random post but hey!, you don't ask you never find out!

[Perdita]

I used to stand against a wall and lift my leg up and then get as close to the wall as possible, which stretched all the tendons in my thighs. Eating garlic is good for the muscles. Remember to warm up properly before doing any stretching exercises otherwise you can hurt yourself. :)

[di marco]

i used to be able to do the splits when i went dancing on my right leg and have recently just got back into being able to do them again now that i do cheerleading. ive never been able to do them on my left leg but i am getting better. at dancing and cheerleading we did similar exercises so ill try and explain them to you to see if they help (ill see if i can find some pics to help explain better!)

this is the best one to help i find:
http://www.jane-fonda.net/Feature_2004/Images/j_october/a_yearofhealthy/blk_e_exer_jazz.gif
the leg that is bent in the picture is the leg which you want in front when you do the splits. have both hands on the floor while you do this (either side of your body) and do 20 little bounces in this position, then push down into the splits. the bounces will help loosen your muscles making them more flexible

another stretch you can do is lie on your back with your feet flat on the floor. get someone to hold the leg you want in the front when doing the splits and push it upwards. start with your leg about 90 degrees to the floor and push your leg against the other persons hand for 5secs while they hold the leg in that position. then relax for 5secs (stop pushing but keep the leg up) then the person holding your leg will push your leg back slightly further and repeat. keep going til it becomes uncomfortable. during the stretch make sure both legs remain straight, and that your other leg, bottom and back remain on the floor
http://z.about.com/d/dance/1/5/m/2/-/-/split5.jpg

these 2 websites explain some stetches quite well, sort of similar to what ive said:
http://www.fitness-training-at-home.com/split-stretching-exercises.html
http://dance.about.com/od/stepsandmoves/ss/Splits.htm

always remember to stretch both legs equally, even if you only aim to be able to do the splits on one leg. also my cheerleading coach said when youre about 1 inch from the floor, the average person takes 2 - 3months to get fully into the splits if you practice everyday

hope they were useful and good luck :)

[Hollie-x]

Aaaah thankyou very much :D:D

surely will help!

[Abbie]

Awww Ive always wanted to do the splits and I want to be able to do them before I leave my dance school in september cos we are doing our last show
But I just cant seem to do them- ever

[Hollie-x]

Aww I always used to think i'd never be able to but I practised and stretched everyday for about 18months, and got right down, but then I stopped about 6 months ago and it's gone now :(

[Abbie]

Aww thinking about the last show though makes me want to do it
Although over feb and easter I want to get really fit and go the gym, I might start strecthing again and see if I can get there, it would be nice for our last ever show

[Hollie-x]

I wanna go to the gym but i'm sooooo not motivated at all! I think I might ask my mum tonight if she'd come with me. At least when someone else is with you/going with you you feel obliged and will make yourself go lol

[Abbie]

lol true, Ive been a couple of times on my own at the college gym I dont mind it there

[di marco]

abbie, some people just take a lot longer to be able to do the splits than others, but if you practice enough every day you will eventually get there. i always thought id never be able to do them on my left leg or do box splits so once i could do them on my right leg i gave up trying with the others. but now at cheerleading we are made to practice on both legs and im actually getting further down on my left leg too! still dont think ill ever be able to do box splits though!

[Hollie-x]

So it's not just me who thinks box splits are impossible!! lol.
I just don't think I'll ever bend that way lmao

[Kirsty :]]

Ohhh splits. We have to do these in dancing all the time.
One of the stretches we do that I find helps me alot is sitting on your bum and stretching your legs out to the side as far as possible/until your comfortable (the position you go into when you fall down from box splits) then gently reach over to each leg, aiming to get your head on your knee and then aiming to get your head onto the floor.. but don't rush it or be too agressive because you'll pull muscles, but do it gently and you'll eventually get further and further

I can't really explain what I mean lol.

And yeah, I find box splits impossible too lol

[di marco]

im pretty certain its only really flexible people who can learn to do box splits!

[Kirsty :]]

Sorry to go off topic but Hollie you've turned purple! :D Congratulations!! :cheer:

[di marco]

oh i hadnt noticed that, congrats hollie! :)

[Hollie-x]

:cheer: :cheer:
Yay meeee! lmao

thankss:D

[Perdita]

Congratulations :D

[Emmie]

I'm an ex gymnast of 12 years, i used to be able to do 3way splits, i can still fo right leg splits, but not the other 2 now lol my muscles are to over worked!

[Abbie]

At dancing last night I was sitting in second, it was hurting a little and I was thinking omg! this is tiny....oh dear