I'd
like to talk to you full frontal and side yoga splits
because I've been getting a bunch of questions about them lately.
So here's the
scoop:
1. Frontal
yoga splits are pretty easy to learn in 2-8 weeks.
2. Side
yoga splits are much more complicated, and some people's
bodies just don't move that way.
Frontal spits
involve two big groups of muscles:
** Hamstrings
(back of the legs)
** Iliopsoas (top
of the thigh and deep pelvis)
Here's why
frontal splits are easier: Every time you
stretch your hamstrings or the tops of your legs, you're preparing for
the
frontal splits, so almost everyone who stretches is accidentally
getting better
at the frontal splits whether they know it or not!
Side splits
involves the same muscle groups as frontal
splits, but also your groin and glutes – plus it's just really awkward
– and no
other stretches seem to have much of an effect. Which means that to
learn the
side splits, you've got to do the side splits. A lot.
So what do
you do? Practice. Carefully.
In frontal
splits, engage your thigh as strong as you can
on the front leg, and use your hands to slowly and carefully lower
yourself.
Engaging your thigh
allows the back of the leg to release
more and also protects you from dropping down too quickly.
In the side
splits, micro-bend your knees so you don't
tweak them and use your hands on the floor to support your body weight.
In both
versions, you want to use your breath as a guide.
Start with 20 breaths/day and build up from there.
A little
soreness is good. Pain is bad. People hurt
themselves all the time trying to hurry into the splits. It's no use.
Take your
time, breathe deeply, and honestly, you'll be amazed at how quickly
you'll
progress.
But don't try
any John Travolta stuff on the dance floor
until you're feeling REALLY loose:) Seriously.
Stay bendy,
Lucas
Yogabody
Naturals LLC
Note:
The good folks at the FTC require me to disclose that I am an affiliate
of the companies that manufacture and market the anti aging products
you will find on this website, and that these companies will compensate
me if you buy any of these products. - Dave Tishendorf
