How To: Achieve A Split
Growing up as a gymnast and being a college athlete that really depended on flexibility, I’ve learned how consistency can play a huge factor in your flexibility. These are the stretches. I would always use to warm up before I would actually do my split every day. Since graduating, I don’t stretch every single day like I used to, and I’ve noticed my flexibility has suffered because of it. I’m trying to make it a priority to do these stretches every single day so I can keep my splits. Being flexible can help aid in your recovery from lifting and working out all the time it keeps your muscles loose and ready to go. #lemon8fitness #lemon8partner #lemon8creator #splitting #flexibilityjourney
Hey everyone! Building on my journey to keep my splits, I wanted to dive a bit deeper into the specific stretches that have truly made a difference for me. While achieving a full split "in a day" might be a bit ambitious for most, consistency over 30 days can lead to incredible progress! My routine focuses on opening up those crucial areas, especially the hips and legs, which are often the biggest roadblocks. Let's talk about the hip flexor lunge stretch. This one is a game-changer! When I'm at the gym, I make sure to really sink into it. Get into a lunge position, and then gently rock forward and back. You should feel that deep stretch right in the front of your hip, where your hip flexor is. Make sure your back knee is down and you're keeping your core engaged. It’s not just about getting low; it's about actively working that flexibility. This stretch is crucial for the front split, preparing your body to extend that front leg fully. Next up, don't forget your quads and hamstrings. For the quad stretch, while still in a lunge, I grab my back foot and pull it towards my glutes. You'll feel an intense stretch along the front of your thigh. This helps lengthen those muscles, which are often tight from daily activities or workouts. Then, for the hamstrings, I usually extend my front leg straight, keeping my heel on the floor, and hinge forward from my hips, reaching towards my toes. Keeping your back straight here is key to isolating the hamstring. These are the muscles that really need to lengthen to allow for that full split position. Many of you might be wondering about middle splits too! While my focus has often been on front splits, similar principles apply. For middle splits, think about wide-legged forward folds and straddle stretches. Slowly widening your stance in a seated straddle, keeping your back straight, and gently hinging forward can make a huge difference. Remember to ease into it and never force a stretch. Breathing deeply through the discomfort helps a lot! My biggest tip for anyone on this flexibility journey is to make it a routine. Whether you're aiming for a full split in 30 days or just want to improve your overall range of motion, doing these stretches daily, even for just 10-15 minutes, yields amazing results. I often use my bodyweight after a workout at the gym, using the floor space. It helps with muscle recovery and keeps me feeling limber. Remember, every little bit of stretching adds up, and soon you'll notice yourself getting closer and closer to that full split! Keep at it, and you'll be amazed at what your body can do!