straddle splits

[Guest Elizaboo]

Does anyone have any creative ideas for how I can get my legs to do straddle splits? Is there some sort of reason that I might have bones or something that don't allow me to do them? I am so frustrated because I stretch all the time, do the 'frog' and all kinds of stuff, but I am still not able to do them. I don't know what it is...help!! In one of my jazz routines we have to do straddle splits and then pull up and through (I know that is confusing, sorry) and I am the only one in my class who can't do it right! I saw this weird looking thing in Discount Dance Supply that is supposed to help you stretch, but it was really expensive, and I don't even know if it would help. Anyway, thanks for any suggestions!

[Victoria Leigh]

Elizaboo, the splits in second position ARE a stretch. That is what splits are for, stretching. There is nothing that will help you do them except doing them. And do them when you are warmed up. These splits involve the use of different muscles than the right and left splits, and they are more difficult for a lot of people. It has to do with rotation as well as flexibility. But still, doing them is not what is important in terms of being able to do them. What is important is USING them as a stretching exercise.

[Guest deliriousdancer24]

try using the wall to help you stretch... to do a straddle lay on your back againest a wall legs up on the wall and straddle... keep pushing it and hold it for as long as you can

[Perfectpointe731]

I have this same problem. I have very good turnout, rotation, and flexibility, but I cannot get my stradle splits! I try to stretch, but it really strains my knees...is this something to be concerned about or should I just stretch through the pain? I am hyperextended, so I wonder if that might increase the knee strain. Any thoughts?

[Guest star_reacher]

Hello,

 

I have been having troubles with my stradle splits too. I try to remember to strech my stradle everyday, and I do think that it is starting to help. Just remember not to force your split, just let it go on it's own. Because, if you force it it may hurt your muscles in a way. (At least that is what I was told!!) Good luck!! Bye!!

[Victoria Leigh]

Hyperextension should not effect the knees in a straddle split. If you have pain in the knees, DON'T do it! Anything that causes pain in the knees should not be done and you need to find out why it is causing pain.

[pinkpointes101]

I have the same problem of not being able to do complete straddle splits, even though im pretty flexible and can do side splits and the frog. However, my knees don't hurt so I guess I just have a tight spot somewhere.

[tillie]

I have a similar issue. I am reasonable flexible, and my hips are very loose, allowing me to have good turnout and making straddles not very difficult. The only problem i find is that my muscles are too tight. I just simply stretch them every evening and after classes, and I have been doing so for the past few months. Already my straddle spilts are 3 inches lower and I find my muscles to be less tight. This may just be my situation, but I just found stretching everyday for a long period of time to help me. Hope that helped in some way.

[duhitsnicolette]

Yeah I cant do the stradle splits either :-( but now i am gonna stretch it everyday !! wish me luck