Hi everybody!
Sorry I missed you yesterday... Yah... Anyways, here's today's post!
So, Splits. I don't know about you, but these are a big thing for me to work towards. I have my left and right, but middle splits? ugh. I hear things every day like, just do them during commercials when you're watching TV! Do them while you finish your homework! Do them when you blog! (OK, maybe i'm trying that last one...) The thing is though, when I do homework or watch TV, I don't tend to feel like doing the splits. Call me lazy, but that's how it is. Not to mention, aren't commercials already painful enough. Surely the number of people who can endure both the weird commercials and the pain of ripping your muscles apart is very low. That got me thinking. What are some ways to stretch most efficiently? My mom always tells me that it won't happen overnight, but what if it could? After posing this question to the internet, I found five tips to help you better stretch splits. Here they are!
Tip #1: Heat up!
Ever wondered why we usually do a 'warm up' at practice before we stretch? Well, warming up your muscles helps them relax more, making stretching slightly less painful/hard. This is an activity you can try at home by running, taking a shower, hot-tubing, etc.
Tip #2: Do an engaging activity
Play a board game, watch TV (so maybe I shot this down earlier...), talk on the phone, use your laptop. Do these things while you practice splits. The distraction of the activity may just take your mind off of the discomfort of stretching.
Tip #3: Stretch at night
Whoa, that's not random. Actually, it's not. Stretching at night is actually quite easier because your muscles have been loosening up all throughout the day. Ever noticed how stiff you wake up? Muscles pulling, joints popping? This is because when you sleep your body stiffens up. Then, your day is spent loosening up, making the end of the day the loosest part.
Tip #4: Wear socks
Well, this was different. Usually when I practice my splits, I take my socks off right away. Anyways, wearing socks not only makes your feet nice and cozy warm, they force you to slide down further. If you hadn't noticed, bare feet aren't very good at sliding. Seeing as how sliding is usually painful (especially when you can't stop it, *ouch*) I suggest that you try this tip with one of the ones before, too. (# 1, 2, & 3)
Tip #5: Take breaks!
OK, this one is a little hard for me, believe it or not. Those last two Inches, grr, I've got to get them RIGHT NOW. Sadly though, that is NOT a good idea. Actually, after stretching for some time, your muscles will actually start to tense up. Think about it, all stretching is is tearing your muscles apart so they can heal longer than they were before. Talk about mega ouch. Tensing up is just your muscles saying "Hey, stop that!" Taking breaks is good because it gives them time to recuperate. Lets face it, nobody likes to be sore.
Keep tearing those muscles, tough internet gymnasts!
~Joanna
p.s. I got this information from http://beginnerballerina.blogspot.com/2009/07/10-tips-make-splits-much-easier-to-do.html and http://answers.yahoo.com/question/index?qid=20090330221235AAIm7dX
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