Guest Arak Posted November 20, 2003 Report Share Posted November 20, 2003 I've noticed very recently (within the last two weeks or so) that whenever I do the splits, I get this tingling sensation in my hamstrings. As soon as I feel it, I back off. I'm not having any other problems or experiencing any other aches or pains. I've never injured a hamstring before. I usually stretch my spilits after barre work, so I'm reasonably warmed up. I don't get it. What do you think? Link to comment
Administrators Victoria Leigh Posted November 20, 2003 Administrators Report Share Posted November 20, 2003 Sounds to me like your hamstrings are telling you that they are not quite ready to be stretched that far. You were wise to back off. Just go a little more gradually, and be sure you are very warmed up. If they give you a warning, then stop. Hamstring pulls are a major nuisance and take a long time to heal. Link to comment
ConstanzaElisabeth Posted November 20, 2003 Report Share Posted November 20, 2003 i pulled my hamstring this summer, which was already giving me trouble because it is my right leg which is so very tight, and it has been getting worse ever since. i took it easy and tried not to overdo my grande jetes and such, and i always stretch slowly and carefully as much as possible, but it kept getting tighter and more painful. monday, my friend gave me a pair of old warmup shorts. on tuesday, i wore them all day, through yoga, at home, during modern, and then i took them off for ballet because we cant wear junk, of course. by the end of ballet, i could hardly feel my hamstring. i was able to stretch further than i have since this summer with very little strain and no pain. that helped me, maybe it will hlep you, before you pull it instead of afterwards! Link to comment
Guest Arak Posted November 21, 2003 Report Share Posted November 21, 2003 Ok, so obviously my body is not getting enough of a warmup from my usual barre. Legwarmers, etc., are frowned upon in ballet class, and this semester my ballet class comes right after a two-hour break where I have nothing to do, plus an hour-long academic class. (Next semester my ballet class will be directly after my jazz class.) What are some good stretches to ease into the splits more slowly? Link to comment
lampwick Posted November 21, 2003 Report Share Posted November 21, 2003 I start with my back leg bent, the shin resting on the floor. My front leg is stretched out in front of me. Both hands are on the floor for support. Both legs are completely parallel and the hips are square. Gently ease down a bit by sliding the front leg forward. Then flex the foot, tighten the hamstring by pulling the leg into the hip socket and against the floor. Ease up out of the spit a bit when you do this. Then release, point the foot, and let the leg slide further into the split. Keep repeating this flex/contract, stretch/release until you've had enough. It's imperative to keep the hips square and the legs parallel when you do this. OMG--I did it again Last time, I promise. Though I'm probably going to try passing myself off as 22 years old anyway if I want to perform again! Link to comment
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