Trying To Achieve The Splits

[BlackCaesar]

Hi everybody I have been trying to achieve the spltis for years without sucess I recently discovered this website and started empolying the exercises and techniques. Though my static flexiblity has improved more then ever before Im still nowhere near getting into the splits,

I guess what I'm asking is can pretty much everybody achieve the splits with the right knowledge and practice? or can only some people with the right genetics achieve it, I'm very naturally unflexible you see.....

[DarkXacreD]

keep stretching.

[Jimnast]

Read juji's flex tutorial. Stretch everyday, everday, everyday.
http://www.trickstutorials.com/index.php?page=content/flexibility

There are people who cannot split due to abnormalities in hip bone structure I think. However it is rare.

[Papa Lazarou]

And you'll know if you're one of them. It's pretty obvious when bones are the issue.
Try getting 270 degrees of elbow extension.

[Ashtar]

can pretty much everybody achieve the splits with the right knowledge and practice? or can only some people with the right genetics achieve it, I'm very naturally unflexible you see.....I don't know of any good data on this. Apparently a lot more people can do the splits than they think they can, but some people have hip problems that make it impossible, due to the bone construction. I think ligaments may limit some people as well.

Genes dictate both of these (along with muscle attachment sites for strength which may have some effect). Aside from genes though, variations in people's nurture throughout life may make it harder or close some doors. Bones and ligaments can alter in subtle ways depending on the stresses you go through throughout your childhood, having some permanent effects sometimes. Nutrition can also play a role in how you develope some body parts more rapidly than others (like how they reduce a horse's calories to let their tendons catch up).

Being unflexible is not evidence you can't improve the splits. You progress in stretching and pay attention to the sensations. Depending on how they feel, and where you're feeling them, and how you react to different stretching techniques, this gives better information on what exactly might be limiting you, and whether or not it is a permanent limitation or not. It's incredibly complex and I don't even understand it aside from we're supposed to feel a stretch in the muscle belly rather than behind a joint or something.