How long did it take to get to splits? Beginner

ViolaA started this discussion · 1/26/2014

Hello! I am new here and I started pole dancing a couple of weeks ago. I took classes before but now I train every day (ordered my own pole), because I love it so much! I stretch everyday for 30 minutes and I am not flexible at all. The dvds for pole dancing I got require you to have a lot of flexibility and I don't feel encouraged because Ive been stretching every day for 2 months and it feels like I haven't made any progress :( I am 19 and I know someday I WILL get to my split its just now it's a little frustrating. How long has it taken you to get to your split? :)

13 replies

Phoenix Hunter · 1/26/2014
It took me about 3 months to get my splits on the right leg. that was my more flexible side. it is now 5 months and I almost have my left split and middle splits. I am very very close to the ground. For me, I think finding the right kind of stretches helped me. The most I stretch is 3 times a week. I only stretch when I am very warmed up. Atleast 30 minutes of cardio, sometimes after an hour of poling. For my body, intense stretching is too much to do everyday. If I don't have a day of rest in between I would find that I was less flexible.
frenchhornprof · 1/26/2014
I am not naturally flexible, and am still working on my splits. It took me about a year to get my right front split (and it still needs work), and I'm still about 6-7 inches away from the floor on my left. I haven't been very diligent with my left side, so I'm not expecting anything soon. I just have to take my time and be really warm before doing my stretches.
Runemist34 · 1/26/2014
I know that Alethea Austin took over 2 years to get her splits; she says that in her DVD. Most people take a very long time. I've worked on them off and on for a long time, and not made brilliant progress. However, my muscles always seem to "remember" how to get to the last point I'd been at fairly quickly. My only recommendation is to take it slow, remember to take rest days (yes, even from flexibility training), and don't push yourself to the point of pain. Ever.
Veena · 1/26/2014
It can take years or only a few sessions depending on the person. There is no magical quick fix to gain the flexibility for splits, it takes time and consistency! :) I would highly suggest the lessons here, they will give you information on proper form and also you'll find 3 stretching routines that are each twenty mins long. Here are some more tips for flexibility training, sometimes less is more!!! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B1ZZE2GTBiQ
Lina Spiralyne · 1/27/2014
The spread on how fast to get the splits is obviously HUGE, that's one of the main things to keep in mind. But if you feel there's no progress, then I think the first step is to get instructions or a trainer who can verify that you're using proper technique and approach. Maybe your progress is naturally slow, but it can also be due to something that you can change easily!
SV26869 · 1/27/2014
I am not very flexible by nature and in the beginning I did the same as you:I stetched every day about 30-45 min till I injured myself(overstretched).. After consulting a couple instructors in my school I decided to stretch max 3 times a week (mostly 2 times). And doing this for 2 month I got my right split-). So my advies will be- take it easy-)))
Polefanatic678 · 1/27/2014
I've been trying for 3 years and it's still not consistant.. Don't push it too hard as it is very easy to injure yourself.. Listen to your body and have patience :)
ViolaA · 1/27/2014
Thank you so much for your responses. I was feeling upset that Ive been trying on and off for a couple of months now and my progress is slow. Are there any DVDs/program you would recommend for stretching? I tried looking for a routine on this website but I can't seem to find it. I only found the introduction video. The routine i've been following all this time is: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SVBZIFh8NDY It was working for a lot of people so I thought it would try it. Maybe my muscles reached a plateau since it's the same routine every day. I feel like I'm working so hard to get my splits but it's really making me mad :( !
Veena · 1/27/2014
Hi Viola, the routines for stretching are in the Lesson on the website here. https://www.studioveena.com/lessons I would say for most people achieving splits in 30 days is not reasonable.
ViolaA · 1/27/2014
Oh okay I think I found it! Yeah I was looking through the beginner and routine category. Its https://www.studioveena.com/lessons/view/4e23973c-e724-4d0a-9b2e-79650ac37250 right? Thank you so much I will buy a foam roller now! But won't stretching so little as 1-2 times per week slow down my progress? I am just used to stretching every day.
Veena · 1/27/2014
Yes, that is one of the routines, however I suggest you start by watching the individual stretching lessons first, the contain important tips and info on body placement for each stretch. Often dancers find they make better progress when they don't do flexibility training every single day. Keep in mind that flexibility training and stretching are 2 different things! Daily light stretching is fine, but training to increase flexibility is something that requires more of your body so it needs time to recover. This lesson explains how to use the Stretching section. https://www.studioveena.com/lessons/view/4dd66731-eab0-4b4a-aa13-41ad0ac37250 Also please what the "getting started" lesson for the site, this explains how to use the lessons to get the most out of them. :) https://www.studioveena.com/lessons/view/4dd006a7-c45c-4c1e-b6b6-4a870ac37250
ViolaA · 1/27/2014
Thank you so much! :) I will get the foam roller tomorrow and start flexibility training 2 times a week instead of daily. That is probably the mistake I made because I did not give my muscles time to recover. That might be the reason why my progress is slow.
Veena · 1/27/2014
You're welcome! :)