Achieving the splits

My stretch class today was pretty painful especially when stretching into the splits. However, I'm determined to hopefully(!) get into my front splits by the end of this year by stretching 3 times a week. If I can achieve the splits, I'm sure anyone else can too. And this coming from a person who 2 years ago could not touch her toes.

Will be adding pictures of stretches I do to help me achieve the splits!

edited

Just before starting these stretches, please do a warm up for 5 mins (ie running on the spot, skipping, going up and down stairs) as it will make it much, much easier and also, you are less likely to hurt your muscles. Also, my pictures are completely amateur and I was not warm while doing these stretches! I'm only showing one side so remember to stretch the other leg too and to hold them for at least a minute especially when you get into your splits! :) And I'm also showing a few of the stretches as I can't remember them all. Will try and do another post with more stretches if I remember/learn more.

 

Calf stretch. You shld feel the stretch at the extended calf. Not seen in the picture but I'm pushing against the pole, you can do this against the wall.

After calf stretch, put both hands on the floor or as close to the floor as you can.

Knee stretch. I do this because I've weak knee muscles. Use opposite hand to foot and grab the top part of your foot. Ensure your heel is off the ground and the rest of your leg is straight and touching the floor. Note, I'm holding my leg with my other hand.

Sorry for the crotch shot but in this stretch, ensure the extended leg is straight, foot flexed and knee facing towards the ceiling and with your other hand (with the bent knee), try to use it to push it open rather than allowing your bent leg to face towards the front.

This stretch should usually be the last or close to the last stretch you do before you going into your front splits. Make sure your front knee is bent at a 90degrees angle and the back leg on the floor. It is similar to a lunge stretch except your back leg is not up.

My not warmed up splits :( I'll attempt to take a better picture of it when I'm warm :) You can see in this picture my hip is not square, please do try and rotate in and bend into it. And yes, it will hurt but just think of how amazing you'll be when you finally get into the splits!

YAY!