Can I learn to do the splits?

[Snorlaxative]

NC because this is a completely random question which I don't want linked to other usernames just in case.

Do you think its possible for me to learn to do the square splits like this?

I am 35.
I am very fit.
I am quite muscular.
I am fairly flexible - can do a bridge, can get my knees quite low in a butterfly stretch for example.

Do you think I can do it? I've got about six months until I need to be able to do it to a passable standard.

If so, how? Is it a case of just stretching my legs in that position every day and trying to get lower and lower?

Livinleggings on Instagram and YouTube has some guidance on splits that would be worth looking at for drills on how to build the range to get into the splits

Yes I’d say so. There are various stretches you can do to help you get there, and if you do them regularly I’d say 6 months is enough. I’m assuming you can already try quite low though?

I think yes if you are consistent. Why do you have to do them?

The Russians seem to be very good at this. Stretching, self discipline and dedication

Okay, thank you! I will check out that YouTube channel, thank you.

I'm part of a dance group. We're performing a show in October where the finale includes two women in the splits at the front of the stage. We've lost one of these 'splits women' and the group decided I'm the most likely one to be able to learn the splits in time. So that's why I need to learn.

Sorry, that sounds really bad. The woman who was due to do the splits hasn't died. She's emigrating

@Snorlaxative

Sorry, that sounds really bad. The woman who was due to do the splits hasn't died. She's emigrating

This is quite possibly the best response to anything ever.

LOL... I might just start giving it as a stock response to basically everything from now on. As a standalone sentence it's a belter isn't it?!

I did (as a teenager!) I was no gymnast, just decided I wanted to be able to do the splits.

Don’t know the name of the exercise - but you sit on the floor with your legs straight, and wide apart. Then you bend to touch your head to your knees, bringing your hands to the same foot. Repeat ad infinitum.

It works. Strengthen the muscles in your thighs, or makes them more flexible, I dunno. (And I used to impress people at university with my ability to get one leg straight up against a wall.)

Sadly, it stops working when you stop doing the exercise.

… to your knee, singular.

Pretty sure it took me a few months to become stretchy enough. Not sure I’ve ever shown such determination again.

@TottersBlankly

I did (as a teenager!) I was no gymnast, just decided I wanted to be able to do the splits.

Don’t know the name of the exercise - but you sit on the floor with your legs straight, and wide apart. Then you bend to touch your head to your knees, bringing your hands to the same foot. Repeat ad infinitum.

It works. Strengthen the muscles in your thighs, or makes them more flexible, I dunno. (And I used to impress people at university with my ability to get one leg straight up against a wall.)

Sadly, it stops working when you stop doing the exercise.

This! I taught myself this aged about 30, and this was how I did it, when I started I could barely touch my toes. Sadly all lost now.

Am twice that, Ariela - and wondering if I might give it another go, just to impress myself.

(Standing, I can place my hands flat on the floor, or grip my heels.)

@Snorlaxative

LOL... I might just start giving it as a stock response to basically everything from now on. As a standalone sentence it's a belter isn't it?!

@TottersBlankly

Am twice that, Ariela - and wondering if I might give it another go, just to impress myself.

(Standing, I can place my hands flat on the floor, or grip my heels.)

We could embark on a collaborative project of both learning to do the splits. Let's check back in weekly with each other and see how we're getting on.

I’d love to join in on this - as a child I could do the splits both ways (regular and box splits) but can now barely touch my toes! I didn’t think it was something that could be re-learned.