doing splits

[aefibird]

I can *almost* do side splits and am about 3/4 of the way (or maybe a bit more) for doing front splits.

However, not being able to do the splits doesn't seem to affect my kicking height - I can kick to above my own head height with ease.

[Goju_boi]

I don't know why, but theres some days that I can't go as low as others. can somebody expalin this to me?

[Aodhan]

Could be any number of reasons. Poor hydration, muscles tight from a workout previous days, a couple days without stretching, sitting in one position for a long time, any number of different factors.

Also, exercise will shorten the muscles. If you ever go cycling for an extending period, when you get off the bike, be sure to stretch out your hamstrings, as they will "shorten" from the usage.

Aodhan

[getawaytkd]

i cant do the splits but i can kick above my head, i want to do the splits, my kicks would be higher and faster also not as tense

[taekwondomom]

I am also able to do splits on some days and not others.

One thing that makes it easier is weather. Hot, humid weather makes it easier for muscles to stretch. I'm looking forward to summer! I bet I'll be doing splits EVERY day!

My ballet teacher says one way to make splits easier is to stretch before you go to bed. That way, your muscles won't "rebound" as quickly as they would if you had to, say, get up and spar.

I'm going to try that . . . if I can get myself motivated before bed!

[aefibird]

looking forward to summer! I bet I'll be doing splits EVERY day!

My ballet teacher says one way to make splits easier is to stretch before you go to bed. That way, your muscles won't "rebound" as quickly as they would if you had to, say, get up and spar.

I'm going to try that . . . if I can get myself motivated before bed!

Good idea, I'll try that!

[lees_tkd]

The way I was able to do the splits was to stretch. I was actually naturally flexible so it wasn't that hard for me. But, I could still lose my flexibility. So my favorite stretch is to put my leg up as high as it'll go on a wall and stech forward. Gradually, your foot will go up higher and higher.

>Britt

[y2_sub]

9 years in MA now , never cared if I can split or no (except when I was a white belt ) ..

As long as my roundhouse has the KO power , thats fine for me

My Sensei says that lots of muscles around the tights prevent u from spliting !!!!! How true is that ?

[little kicker]

yeah i lift a lot of weights so aint very flexible it's true that the more muscle you have the less flxiable you are.saying that though iv been strching for a week and can get 3/4 of the way into a front split

[bushido_man96]

yeah i lift a lot of weights so aint very flexible it's true that the more muscle you have the less flxiable you are.

Contrary to popular belief, this is NOT a true statement. Bodybuilders can be just as flexible as ballerinas, the thing is that you have to do the correct flexibility exercises in order to gain flexibility.