To those who have achieved the splits...

Pu-key · Post by **Pu-key** » Oct 02, 2005 01:24

How long did it take you to get your legs at a 180 position, both front and side, using either isometric or relaxed stretching?

dragon · Post by **dragon** » Oct 02, 2005 05:43

For me,it was that long ago i can't remember.I was able to do the splits before i'd read Stretching Scientifically.

Dragon.

Pu-key · Post by **Pu-key** » Oct 03, 2005 03:45

Were you that natually flexible? Speaking of that, what makes a person more natually flexible than others?

dragon · Post by **dragon** » Oct 03, 2005 05:14

I don't really know what the definition of "natural" flexibility is.There is the condition refered to as being "double jointed",even though this has nothing to do with having a double joint cavity.It has something to do with the density of the connective tissues.I'm not too clued up on the specifics,maybe someone else can give a more detailed description.There are also various genetic defects that can cause extreme flexibility.
I started training in martial arts when i was 5 years old,so i would assume having a head start from such a young age was my advantage.
I had a lay off for a long while when i was 18 due to injury but managed to get my flexibility back again.I've had more than my fair share of stretching related injuries in the past so i wouldn't call myself a natural or say that it has come easily to me.

Dragon.

maxattack · Post by **maxattack** » Oct 06, 2005 22:15

i took me about one year more or less

Pu-key · Post by **Pu-key** » Oct 08, 2005 01:22

Did you use isometric or relaxed stretching?

CrazyBoy · Post by **CrazyBoy** » Oct 08, 2005 14:08

I know that my next question will probably sound ackward or stupid, but does it matter how do you develop your flexibility? For example, when I first planned my stretching program, I had no clue about isometrics or relaxed stretches. I what I did though was to take the main warm-up exercises that seemed primary for increasing my flexibility and combined them into a system (joint rotations, forward bend, lunges and etc).

dragon · Post by **dragon** » Oct 09, 2005 05:46

Generally,it would take you longer to increase your flexibility through relaxed stretches alone.
Also,isometric stretches increase strength.

Dragon.

maxattack · Post by **maxattack** » Oct 09, 2005 12:11

Dragon is right, relaxed will take much longer to develop the splits, I used Isometrics, but now I also use relaxed when my legs are feeling tired or i just dont have the energy for Iso (long day at work ect), I usally do 3-4 days of Isometrics with relaxed thrown in ever so often.

CrazyBoy · Post by **CrazyBoy** » Oct 10, 2005 08:32

I have a question regarding the side split technique. I know it's not related to the topic, but it's been bothering me for some time. I can do the side split (with the torso on the ground) with a bit of warm-up and after the front splits. But I am not satisfied about the quality of my side split. If I start over with the side split to improve it's quality, will it affect my flexibility in any manner?

dragon · Post by **dragon** » Oct 11, 2005 05:29

In what way aren't you happy with your side split,and how do you want to improve the quality of it?

Dragon.

CrazyBoy · Post by **CrazyBoy** » Oct 11, 2005 06:55

Well, eventhough I made some huge improvements I am not satisfied yet. For the first time in my trainings I am able to perform the left front split fully (not at the first try, but at 2nd or 3rd try), thanks to your help. But my side split has improved and yet I do not like what I see.
For example, when doing the side split, I can only do it in the "roadkill split": I bend my knees and my back, put my hands on the ground and spread my legs. If at the first try I still have the right inner thigh off the ground at 2nd try I can fully do it.
Can you explain to me the right way of doing the side split? I've read Th. Kurz columns, but I would like a more deeper explanation. Would anyone help me? Thank you very much and I salut you from Romania!

dragon · Post by **dragon** » Oct 11, 2005 07:28

This thread describes the "horse stance" splits:-

http://stadion.com/phpBB2/viewtopic.php?t=480

If you wish to progress from a road kill split to an upright split,the method Pavel suggests is to push you hips forwards.Hard to explain without the use of photos.
If you use a chair in front of you(or behind you if possible) as a support to remain as upright as possible,try to push your hips forwards so your feet and hips form a straight line.

Dragon.

Pu-key · Post by **Pu-key** » Oct 13, 2005 03:57

I've got the video to stretching scientifically. Much more better then the book.
That was a good question by Crazyboy. Does it really matter how you achieve flexibility.

dragon · Post by **dragon** » Oct 13, 2005 05:34

Depends what activity you participate in i imagine.

For example,a dancer or someone who practices Yoga may not need the same kind of conditioning as a full contact fighter.

There have been many good fighters with good flexibility who achieved it different ways though.

Dragon