I almost have my splits but...?

Question

they are not quite there yet. i practice every night and sit in them for a minute. i've been doing this for about 2 years. i'm probably an inch from the ground. (they are front splits right leg in front)

any suggestions?

Answer 1

Relax. Calm your breathing to even, moderate in-out breathing, relax all the tension out of your face and hands and sit in them for a while, just staying relaxed. Watch a TV show or something. Every once in a while, twitch (flex and relax) your thighs/glutes while in the stretch to exhaust the nervous system's signals that are preventing your legs from completely relaxing.

Good luck.

Answer 2

Hi there

Some people claim that not everyone can do the splits becuase of the way they are built? Not sure if that ones true but what i do know is the last 6 inches from the ground takes some people ages to close.

From experience it only takes a couple of months to perform the full box or side splits with the right set of exercises. If you have been doing them for a couple of minutes everyday then thats a start because in order to maintain them you have to do them everyday!

You need to have flexible hamstrings and the supporting muscles around your hip joints to be able to do the full splits. Just doing the splits itself and holding it should be enough but its not always the case. I would recommend you incorporate a few more daily exercises to help open up and free your hips. Sitting in the lotus position and pushing your knees to the floor is a good one along with bending down and touching your toes. The same exercise can also be done seated. Mix these two in with what youre doing and you should find it makes a difference. A flexible spine is also key.

Breathing, relaxing and drinking plenty of water also help.

Best wishes

idai