Gymnastic splits?

Question

Hi I've always wanted to be able to do the splits but never been able to do it because I just give up when it hurts. I am very unflexible and just wondered if anyone had any tips on how to reach my goal of achieving the splits. Thankyou in advance.

Thankyou everyone you've all been so helpful.

Answer 1

this is really good for you read through
Here is a GREAT way to do better Russians/Toe Touches. Sit on the floor with your feet together and straight out in front of you. You scoop your hands forward twice while trying to touch your nose to your legs. Then you whip your legs out to the side with your toes pointed and hands together above your head. Do about 6 to 8 of these everyday and I can guarantee your Russians/Toe Touches will be better!

splitz


For the people who can't do the splitz...don't feel bad I can't do them either. I'm really close on my right split but I have tight hamstrings and it's really hard for me!! :( But anywayz,,,my tip is to lay down on the floor or sit up with your feet against a wall and have a friend put your legs (or shoulders if you're layin down) until it hurts a little (not a lot it'll possibly injure you) and hold it there until the pain goes away. Then have your friend push you farther and farther until you're in the splitz against the wall. Remember it's ok if you don't get it in a day...this will probably take a few days or even weeks. It all depends on how flexible you are!! Well, I really hope I helped!

Answer 2

I used to be a gymnast and when I first started I had the same problem. I found that stretching everyday for about 5 minutes helps. Stretch in the spilt position as far as you can go without it hurting. Even day you will be able to stretch farther and before you know it you will have a full split.

Answer 3

You don't stretch to the point of pain. You go to the most stretch that is not painful and hold it for a couple minutes, then you will be able to go a little more and hold another minute or so. You will be a little more flexible each day if you keep it up. Eventually you should be able to do the splits.

Answer 4

I managed to do the splits in less than a month, by doing exactly what everyone else is telling you. Be careful not to "bounce" down when you are trying to get lower each day. I only managed forward and back splits, didn't even try sideways which I think would be harder! Good luck!

Answer 5

stretch everyday.

Go to the point of discomfort
Not Pain.
If you do it everyday--to discomfort--over a few weeks/months youll be able to see a Huge difference. You have to keep at it though everyday, and one day youll be able to do a split.

Ive heard a karate instructor of mine tell me 1 day of nonstretching = 2 days of. So basically if you miss one step, you take 2 back....

Answer 6

do plenty of leg exercises and try to stretch your leg muscles a bit more each day to achieve more flexibility.try a good workout video or take up jogging,anything to make your legs work harder thus achieving more flexibility.you could try:
yoga
pilates
exercise bike
jogging/running
strectching
swimming

the list is endless

good luck!!

Answer 7

What I did when I was at that stage was I would put on a good song, and lift my hands off the ground I would stay in that position until the song was over, and usually I would go down to the ground. good luck.=]

Answer 8

You cannot just do a split like that... You will need to practice little by little each day until you do it. You will do it!!!

Answer 9

Have patience, go down little by little for a minute or two and do light stretching.

Answer 10

Yoga/Pilates will help. They both build up flexibility gradually. Take it slowly and don't tear/pull any muscles!