How to Do a Split

Do you want to be able to do a split but know that you're not flexible enough? Anyone can improve their flexibility, but it takes time, patience and a lot of stretching to achieve a 180-degree split. Here are some tips to help you get there.

Instructions

1. Don't rush into attempting a split. You could pull a muscle, which is not worth the effort. If you've never done a split before, you should work up to achieving the desired 180-degree or more split.

2. Stretch, stretch and stretch. You need to have flexibility in several areas to perform a split: the hamstrings, the hips and groin areas. Make sure you remember to exhale as you are stretching and you may feel an even bigger stretch.

3. Wear sweatpants, tights or leg warmers to allow your muscles to warm up and stay warm, a key to a good stretch.

4. Get ready to try the split. Sit on your knees and point your dominant foot forward.

5. Slowly slide your front foot forward and the other foot backward. Support your body with both hands on the ground until you feel a good stretch, as much as you can stand.

6. Hold the split and pay attention to how close to the ground you came.

7. Try again the next day and be encouraged by any improvement. Strive for your hips to be square on the ground with legs straight and toes pointed when do you finally make the split for which you've been striving.