I was reading that the muscles responsible for achieving the splits must also be strong. I've read that Sumo Squats is great for strengthening the appropriate muscles to achieve side splits, but are they good for achieving both front and side? If not, what are other exercises to use to develop the muscles for front? Thanks in advance.
Side note: I have taken the split tests and according to what I've read, I'm capable of achieving both front and side (provided the test is accurate)
Front/Side Splits & the proper exercises used for streng
So, the Sumo squats will be ok? I weigh about 140 lbs, how much weight should I be using for the squats and will these squats develop the appropriate muscles so I can achieve both front and side splits?
What do you mean by good mornings and what is SLDL?Other exercises that will help are good mornings and the SLDL for the hamstring of the front leg.
SLDL= stiff leg deadlift. For more info, check out MR Kurz's stretching columns on this website: http://www.stadion.com/column_stretch21.html
Thanks. Also, I've read Stadion's articles which stated that have strong muscles makes it possible to do the splits easier. But the other day someone I know who is well trainined in martial arts / gymnastics said that having more strength in these areas actually makes it more difficult to achieve the splits. It made me wonder how so many small girls I know can do splits so easily, with or without warmup, and yet they're not muscular at all. Granted they're girls and they're generally more flexibile, but still I don't know which statements are true or false.
Strong, trained muscles help you do the splits much easier and, most important, without a warm-up. Anytime, anywhere! Why? Because strong muscles do not tense as hard as the unprepared ones. According to Mr Kurz, flexibility is strongly related to strength training. Read more on this website or Mr Kurz's book and you'll find out more.
As for the girls doing the splits, I understand that they are gymnasts? well, it's different. Gymnastic is not martial arts.
Waiting for your comments!
As for the girls doing the splits, I understand that they are gymnasts? well, it's different. Gymnastic is not martial arts.
Waiting for your comments!
When growing up children will develop flexibility very easily as when they stretch they are stretching their ligaments & tendons. When fully grown it is impossible to stretch the ligaments and tendons, so adults like us who did not develop flexibility when young can only get flexibility by strengthening and stretching the muscles.
Its important to realise that flexibility training is different for children.
I've had new students (adults) in my class who had amazing flexibility from when they were child gymnasts and were able to develop good "looking" kicks in a short time. However, I found that they were often more prone to injury and displayed considerable lack of control despite their flexibility.
Cheers,
Mat
Its important to realise that flexibility training is different for children.
I've had new students (adults) in my class who had amazing flexibility from when they were child gymnasts and were able to develop good "looking" kicks in a short time. However, I found that they were often more prone to injury and displayed considerable lack of control despite their flexibility.
Cheers,
Mat
No, there's no permanent damage or anything. It's hard to put my finger on it. My impression is that if someone has very good flexibility from childhood but doesn't have the required strength, or has never done martial arts before, then its quite easy for them to overdo techniques or perform a leg raise too high or too fast, for example.CrazyBoy wrote:What would be the reason for their injuries? Would it be the strenous stretching training done when they were young or what?
Mat
So, what is the fastest way/best exercises to utilize to achieve peak lower body flexibility? (Front/Side Splits & High Kicks) I started XMA & Gymnastics/Acrobatics at age 20, which was a year ago as of this month and had no previous experience in anything. I have come a long way, but my lower body is still lacking that awesome flexibility that I've been dying for.
Cyan wrote:So, what is the fastest way/best exercises to utilize to achieve peak lower body flexibility? (Front/Side Splits & High Kicks) I started XMA & Gymnastics/Acrobatics at age 20, which was a year ago as of this month and had no previous experience in anything. I have come a long way, but my lower body is still lacking that awesome flexibility that I've been dying for.
Big Subject. Start by reading Mr Kurz's book "Stretching Scientifically", published by Stadion, the owners of this forum.
Cheers,
Mat
If there is an imbalance between strength and flexibility it can make you more prone to injuries.mat wrote:No, there's no permanent damage or anything. It's hard to put my finger on it. My impression is that if someone has very good flexibility from childhood but doesn't have the required strength, or has never done martial arts before, then its quite easy for them to overdo techniques or perform a leg raise too high or too fast, for example.CrazyBoy wrote:What would be the reason for their injuries? Would it be the strenous stretching training done when they were young or what?
Mat
If you want a high level of flexibility you need the high level of strength to go with it.
Dragon.