Side split concerns

Pesante64 · Jan-18-07, 08:08 PM

Hey guys, I've been hearing some interesting things about isometric side splits lately. Apparently, men who can do a full 180 degree split experience complications down the road, sometimes as severe as hip replacement surgery.

I'm told the reason for this is the male bone structure. Females have wider hips than guys do, so it's not as much a problem for them, but on most guys the pelvis doesn't actually allow the femur (sp?) to move in that direction that extensively. In order for your leg to stretch the full 90 degrees, part of your pelvis gets ground away a bit, which is detrimental in the long run...for obvious reasons.

As I said, I've only heard people saying this stuff, and I have no knowledge of how credible the information is...I just wanted to put it out there and see what you guys might have to say.

XoN · Jan-18-07, 09:08 PM

I imagine if your technique was crap this might happen... Can't say I've got any conclusive information in either direction, but this is the first I've heard of this happening.

ryanlq · Jan-18-07, 09:14 PM

ooh, this is scary!

Papa Lazarou · Jan-19-07, 12:06 AM

I expect stories of damaged hips come from people with bad training practices, ie overtraining, especially since you mention isometric stretches. Also, I think the tests of flexibility potential are scientifically designed (or proven anyway) to account for anatomical barriers. In the side split test, the leg is in the same position as it would be in an actual side split (just one leg at a time). Pretty much only the nervous system stops someone from doing a full side split after they have done the test.

If you don't know what I'm talking about with the split tests, they're in Juji's flexibility section I think.

Dobi · Jan-19-07, 01:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Papa Lazarou

In the side split test, the leg is in the same position as it would be in an actual side split (just one leg at a time). Pretty much only the nervous system stops someone from doing a full side split after they have done the test.

this test sucks.
it's only there to motivate people.
when you do this test the angle between your hip and your femur is NOT the same as in a full sidesplit.
in the test your hip naturally tilts to the side of the lifted leg.
you can only REALLY pass this test, if you already can sidesplit very well.

Sakanem · Jan-19-07, 01:30 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dobi

this test sucks.
it's only there to motivate people.
when you do this test the angle between your hip and your femur is NOT the same as in a full sidesplit.
in the test your hip naturally tilts to the side of the lifted leg.
you can only REALLY pass this test, if you already can sidesplit very well.

exactly

Papa Lazarou · Jan-19-07, 03:58 AM

What the? Firstly what did that post have to do with the topic? Secondly what evidence do you have for the test sucking? And before you ask, my source is Stretching Scientifically in which the alignment of joints is well explained (with anatomical diagrams) and well researched.

Pesante64: If your pelvis was being ground away for you to achieve the side split, I'm fairly certain that you'd know all about it (feel it that is). If the thing stopping you from the split was bones and not flexibility of muscles, you'd feel the difference.

Dobi · Jan-19-07, 04:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Papa Lazarou

What the? Firstly what did that post have to do with the topic? Secondly what evidence do you have for the test sucking? And before you ask, my source is Stretching Scientifically in which the alignment of joints is well explained (with anatomical diagrams) and well researched.

the post had nothing to do with the topic.
i just felt posting it because you mentioned the test.
and yes, i know the book and the anatomy of the hip.
just try it.
do the test and be objective to your hip/femur - angle. you will see, that you will turn your hip to the side of the lifted leg.
the nervous systems stops us from doing sidesplits. thats right.
but it also stops us from REALLY passing the test.

wynnema · Jan-19-07, 05:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dobi

this test sucks.
it's only there to motivate people.
when you do this test the angle between your hip and your femur is NOT the same as in a full sidesplit.
in the test your hip naturally tilts to the side of the lifted leg.
you can only REALLY pass this test, if you already can sidesplit very well.

yeah ok we should listen to you over one of the most respected experts on flexiblity.

Dobi · Jan-19-07, 05:55 AM

show me just ONE person, who can not do sidesplits but who can REALLY pass the test ( really means, without turning hip to the side ).
i don't say that kurz does not know what he is writing about.
but in my option he just "invented" this test to motivate people.

Jan-18-07, 08:08 PM	#1
Pesante64 Punjabs R US User status: Offline Location: Cleveland, OH Posts: 55 Age: 21	Side split concerns Hey guys, I've been hearing some interesting things about isometric side splits lately. Apparently, men who can do a full 180 degree split experience complications down the road, sometimes as severe as hip replacement surgery. I'm told the reason for this is the male bone structure. Females have wider hips than guys do, so it's not as much a problem for them, but on most guys the pelvis doesn't actually allow the femur (sp?) to move in that direction that extensively. In order for your leg to stretch the full 90 degrees, part of your pelvis gets ground away a bit, which is detrimental in the long run...for obvious reasons. As I said, I've only heard people saying this stuff, and I have no knowledge of how credible the information is...I just wanted to put it out there and see what you guys might have to say.

Jan-18-07, 09:08 PM	#2
XoN Member User status: Offline Location: Sydney, Australia Posts: 79 Age: 23	I imagine if your technique was crap this might happen... Can't say I've got any conclusive information in either direction, but this is the first I've heard of this happening.

Jan-18-07, 09:14 PM	#3
ryanlq angry mormon User status: Offline Location: Utah, united states Posts: 304 Age: 20	ooh, this is scary!

Jan-19-07, 12:06 AM	#4
Papa Lazarou Histrionic Faggot User status: Offline Location: Brisbane, Australia Posts: 1,028 Age: 20	I expect stories of damaged hips come from people with bad training practices, ie overtraining, especially since you mention isometric stretches. Also, I think the tests of flexibility potential are scientifically designed (or proven anyway) to account for anatomical barriers. In the side split test, the leg is in the same position as it would be in an actual side split (just one leg at a time). Pretty much only the nervous system stops someone from doing a full side split after they have done the test. If you don't know what I'm talking about with the split tests, they're in Juji's flexibility section I think.

Jan-19-07, 03:58 AM	#7
Papa Lazarou Histrionic Faggot User status: Offline Location: Brisbane, Australia Posts: 1,028 Age: 20	What the? Firstly what did that post have to do with the topic? Secondly what evidence do you have for the test sucking? And before you ask, my source is Stretching Scientifically in which the alignment of joints is well explained (with anatomical diagrams) and well researched. Pesante64: If your pelvis was being ground away for you to achieve the side split, I'm fairly certain that you'd know all about it (feel it that is). If the thing stopping you from the split was bones and not flexibility of muscles, you'd feel the difference.

Jan-19-07, 05:55 AM	#10
Dobi unfortunatly no IDDQD User status: Offline Location: Germany Posts: 335 Age: 27	show me just ONE person, who can not do sidesplits but who can REALLY pass the test ( really means, without turning hip to the side ). i don't say that kurz does not know what he is writing about. but in my option he just "invented" this test to motivate people.