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Question: A few Questions about the splits, can you help!? :((!?
I am a guy and I would like to get my splits down
I stretch every single day, 1 hour warming up, and 2 hours stretching
but I have not really seen any improvement in my splits at all!
especially in my "bad" leg

Do you have to force yourself down till you touch the floor!?
I did that , and I touched the floor and everything, but all i did was make myself sore the next day, and when I tried to do my splits I could not come close to the ground at all

Do you have to do it gradually and slowly!?
I've been doing things gradually and slowly with my splits
and have seen some small but sure results in my "good" leg

How can I get my "bad" leg to stretch as well as my good leg!?!?!?


I am going to take contortionist classes soon, and I would like to be well rounded

Every answer is appreciated

(except the stupid ones)

:D
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Best Answer - Chosen by Asker:
Definitely do NOT force yourself into the splits!. I was a captain and 4 year member of my school's dance team and I watched many attempt and finally achieve the splits--what I learned from watching is that everyone is different!. It took me a few short days to get flat in my splits whereas it took a few years for others!. The stretching regimen you are doing now is one of the best ways to achieve your splits--make sure you sit in left and right splits for 2 counts of eight on each side as well as in straddle!. Do not, however, push yourself too far!. A small, slightly uncomfortable burn is typical but if you feel an unbearable pain, get major muscle cramps or are feeling incredibly sore the next day it is likely that you are pulling muscles and are actually reversing your progress!. Don't push your "bad leg" too far!. also, perhaps, don't warm up and stretch for so long!. You could be over-stretching/over-using your muscles!. Do a good twenty minute warm up (jogging, jumping jacks, etc!.) then do about a 45 min!. stretch and if you have time, try doing some kicks after stretching!. If you do kicks front, side and back the rotators in your hips can more easily grow accustomed to the rotation that your hips must do to go into the splits!.

Sorry that was so long winded! i hope it helps though! Good luck!Www@QuestionHome@Com

Not to be a downer, but some people have limited flexibility!. I have taken dance lessons for 20+ years, and I've never ever ever been able to do a full split!. Even my "jazz split" is pretty pathetic!.

What I'm saying is-focus on what you're good at!. Is your upper body flexible!? Maybe you could try tumbling instead of contortionism, or you could learn trapeeze!. Definately don't do anything that will agravate your bad leg!. If you to stick with contortionism, make sure your teacher knows about your old injury!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

I know that its a pain in the a*ss right now but one day of stretching you'll be able to go down way farther and once your so close , you'll just have the motivation (is that the right word!?) to get your splits down!. That's what I did and now i can do the center splits and my right spilts!. My "bad" (left leg) splits suck still!.Www@QuestionHome@Com

i don't know what to do about your bad leg but definatley whatever you do don't force yourself down into the splits just carry on what your doing and it may take along time but all your effort will pay off and you will be ble to do them soon! also the previous answer may have a point you may be overstrechingWww@QuestionHome@Com

First of all, guys' muscles are tighter and stronger while girls' muscles are not as strong but more flexible!. I know male dancers who are very flexible too and what I can tell you first and foremost is that nothing can be achieved overnight!. Things like these take time and for most guys, they will inevitably take longer than girls!.

I can tell you from experience that what you have been doing everyday is actually really good! (Though you're doing it for too long) You will improve everyday, but the change is slight so you can't notice it!. I overstretched the muscle of my left leg 2 years ago when I first split on it and it caused me so much pain for about a year everytime I stretched my left leg (which is my 'bad' leg)!. Therefore I strongly discourage you to force down your leg because that was what I did and I had to pay the literally painful consequence!.

Take everything slow and easy and never ever overdo it!. In fact, a short aerobic warmup exercise like running or jumping is good and you will improve best when you stretch your warmed-up muscles!. Alternatively, you can just do your simple normal stretches like stretching your hands to your feet, etc!., whatever you're comfortable with!.

Remember that resilience is key, and no pain no gain!. If you only prefer to stretch your 'good' leg more, your 'bad' leg will naturaly suffer!. Sure, the 'bad' leg hurts more when you stretch and you can't withold it for too long, I know!. But just tell yourself that if you wanna improve, you've gotta tolerate the pain!. Try holding the stretch for 5 secs more than your usual duration taken each time!. Do whatever you do for your 'good' leg the same for your 'bad' leg!.

And just a tip for you: eating too much red meat helps strengthen and tighten your muscles so avoid them if you can and opt for vegetables! Eating more vegetables instead of meat will definitely help your muscles relax more!.

It's good that you'll take contortionist classes as the instructor will also teach you in more detail how best to stretch to your best potential!. Hope you'll enjoy the lesson :DWww@QuestionHome@Com