add pulldowns -another qn

[alert20]

How can I strengthen my inner thigh right from the start?
Should I use front squats and side lunges or can add pulldowns also be used with extremely light weight?
I know add pulldowns are a few steps on the strength sequence for splits but is it possible to use them at the start?

[elskbrev]

You can do adductor pull-downs from the start, but keep it relatively (or, as you said, "extremely") light until you are ready for higher loads. Squats can be done right from the beginning. Personally, I don't get a lot of adductor strengthening in side lunges, rather more of a stretch; maybe I'm not thinking of the same kind you do.

Core (abs, obliques and back), quads, hams and hip flexors should be strengthened first, in that order, before adductors.

Kurz' 19th installment, Sequence of Conditioning Exercises for Fighters and Martial Artists, has a good summary of the proper training sequence, and reasons why.

Cindy

[tyciol]

The wider the stance with the squat the more it works the adductors/vastus medialis right? Whereas narrow stances can target the vastus lateralis a bit more....

[davepleydell]

I've been doing normal squats first, then I do a very wide horse riding stance squat and that certainly works the adductors a lot more.

David