How to do the splits?

Question

I'm 40 and very fit and active but I'd love to be able to do the splits. How can I train to do this? I used to love gymnastics as a kid and i'm still very flexible but can my body get more flexible at 40?

Answer 1

well, to do a right or left split, I would [after a good stretch warm-up] go as far as I can and with my hands down for safety, bounce lightly for a period of time... after a while, you'll get lower and lower!

to do a middle split, [again, after stretching] go against a flat surface [like a wall] and spread as far as you can and use your hands to push you closer to the wall [this will take much longer then the above two]

good luck!

Answer 2

I have a friend who is 42 and can do jump spinning kicks off the walk and over your head. As long as you don't rush into things and gradually build up to it, you can definately do it--even at 40.

You just need to keep stretching and every day stretch your body out a 1/4 an inch more than the next. Yoga can definately help.

Answer 3

Yes, of course your body could become more flexible. try stretching your splits after you come out of the bath or something as your muscles would be relaxed and stretch easier, it also reduces the risk of pulling or tearing a muscle. try standing in "Y" stands too. they also help. Just try to stetch a lot every day and you should see an improvement in your splits soon. GOOD LUCK x

Answer 4

of course!
it wont b as easy as when u were younger. But my doing yoga and pilates, stretching etc u can train your body 2 become even mre flxexible.
Im quite flexible naturally asweel, but after a few weeks of yoga my body muscles were much more supple and i could bend my body in all sorts of ways. I need to work harder to do the splits though.

Thats cool. good luck..!

Answer 5

I taught myself to do a split when I was 15. I never could before then. I really gently gradually would open my full split and my sinking position little by little everyday. Lots of cardio and warming the muscles up before hand is very important too. I also tore my hamstring and ended a very promising track career, too, so remember gooooo very sloooooowly and always warm up your muscles first by jogging a little or bike riding before you attempt a split, or like you say "the splits."

Answer 6

you wont be able to do the splits straight away i can do them ...barley
but you should start the day by do in the spits as far as you can,hold and repeat 5 times
then find a worksurface of bar thats just higher then your hip and put your leg on itleen you trunk toward your foot then bend the knee of the leg thats on the floor,hold and repet on each side

Answer 7

It is 100% possible. You will have to train your muscles to do it gradually though. I recommend adult ballet classes - they are brilliant for helping you become supple, get a great figure and be very fit and they are also alot of fun xx

Answer 8

Not likely, as your body tends to be less limber as you age. And I wouldn't try it, becuase you could pull a muscle and be out of commission for awhile with a strain. Stick to what you already do- I mean, you're 40, what else do you have to prove, and to who?

Answer 9

Do some yoga read some tips on it on this site

Answer 10

swimming is a good start, a friend of mine bought a leg stretcher a few years back he said it helped him... although i think you need to have double joints to do it perfectly, no harm in trying... or is there?