Splits - is it even possible?

frenchhornprof started this discussion · 9/17/2012

I've only recently started stretching in hopes that some day I might be able to do the splits (I'm doing Veena's routines a couple times a week). I'm quite unflexible as of now, and I have yet to see anyone's "before" pictures that are as bad as mine. I'm more than a foot away from the floor in both center and side splits. Is it even possible for me to acheive the splits, or are some people just not able? Has anyone here started from as far back as I am? I'd like to think that willpower and persistence will get me there, but sometimes I wonder.

10 replies

darling dearest · 9/17/2012
I'm super far from getting my splits but I see people like Lyme Lyte doing it and it reminds me that it's totally within my reach. You should check out her before video!
RoseMay · 9/17/2012
Of course it's possible to get the splits even if you aren't naturally flexible! I started off about 15 inches off the floor. It took me about 9 months until I was on the ground. (actually only 6 months of consistent work, took a break in between) I uploaded some pics to prove it in my album "splits". Maybe it helps to motivate someone :-) Though I do think that some people just can't get the middle splits due to the anatomy of their hips. But front splits shouldn't be a problem. Even if you aren't anatomically able to do a middle split you can still improve the straddle flexibility which will help a lot for dancing and tricks :-)
Trixie Kicks · 9/17/2012
Yes, when I started last march/apr I was well off the floor. More than a foot. It was a while before my front calf was able to touch the floor. I'm so very close now. My best recommendation is make sure you are stretching with good form, hips faced forward. It will be longer before you get splits, but that will help you get those last few inches.
CapFeb · 9/18/2012
Here's how you can tell if you are ever able to physically achieve the splits (and some people cannot.) Stand up. Raise one leg forward straight so that it's horizontal with the floor. Bring both legs back to regular standing postion. Stretch that same leg backwards to be almost horziontal with the floor. If you can do both of these, you can surely do it! For middle splits, it's the same thing, you just do it horizontally to the side. I'm unable to ever achieve middle splits because of my hips, but I can achieve a very very wide V leg if I tried harder to stretch my legs (what has two thumbs and is ultra lazy....)
Paunobs · 9/18/2012
I have been at it consistently for 10 months while my flexibility has improved my side splits have only improved by around 4 inches I really believe that the anatomy of my body will prevent it! However I believe I may eventually get straddle splits . I have stopped myself from wanting them so badly, to accepting that I will just keep plugging away because any improvement in flex will be beneficial. I might also add that as a child I tried and tried to get my splits but never could! I also get sciatic pain if I push to hard.
Paunobs · 9/18/2012
I also will add that I mix up my stretch routine with Veenas, Aletheas and Valentino brothers routines!
MissMeliss · 9/18/2012
Can someone please show me how to test if you're able to do the side splits? I've learnt to do my front splits, but have stagnated on the side splits. Now, when I stretch them, I rarely feel a stretch in my groin, it's basically all in what I assume is the joints of my hips, on the outside of my legs, but deep, if that makes sense. I'm thinking I may not be able to do them.. but.. am not 100% convinced..yet, haha. OH, faith. :P Bahahaha, CapFeb "(what has two thumbs and is ultra lazy....)!!
CapFeb · 9/18/2012
Basically, you want to do this: http://a4.ec-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/121/5f7e6c5e4c67906975cdf5918ee7ffb0/l.jpg But one leg at a time instead of two. If you can do one leg at a time horizontal with the floor, you can do middle splits
CapFeb · 9/18/2012
Basically, you want to do this: http://a4.ec-images.myspacecdn.com/images01/121/5f7e6c5e4c67906975cdf5918ee7ffb0/l.jpg But one leg at a time instead of two. If you can do one leg at a time horizontal with the floor, you can do middle splits
MissMeliss · 9/18/2012
Looks like I can do them. Still, hurts the hip socket/joint more than anything. :P Thanks! ^.^