If I can do one split, why can’t I do another? - Part 1 of stretches to do the splits
Posted by Paul Zaichik on
This is a fair question that comes from a very common observation.
- So many people can do forward splits and not center splits.
- And many who can do full straddles can’t do left or right ones.
What strikes many people observers of this phenomenon as odd is that adductors (inner thigh muscles) are stretched in every split.
If you are not familiar with anatomy, here you go. All 3 splits.
Middle, Center or Side Split
Open Front Split
True Front Split
The Adductor Muscles
- Adductors are stretched when the leg goes back (back leg of front splits),
- when the leg goes forward (front leg of front splits)
- AND when legs go side to side (as in straddle/center split).
So why for example, everyone who can do a front split can’t also do a middle split? After all, shouldn’t her adductors already be stretched from doing the forward splits?
In theory yes, but in practice... most forward splits are nothing more than glorified hamstrings stretches and deep back extensions.
In most cases the front leg is profoundly stretched, while the back leg is not moved much. And most adductors are flexors of the hip. This means that for the inner thigh muscles to be lengthened in a left/right front split, the back hip joint must be at least at 90 degree angle and almost never is.
Factors to Consider
There are other factors that can prevent forward splitter from doing a straddle split.
- For example the fact that adductors are also stretched due to lateral rotation in the center (side) split.
- Scar tissue and joint injury can be another.
However in most cases that I came across, when a left/right forward splitter is wondering why they can’t do the middle split… it’s because the splits that she has are functional and not structural. (A structural split is when the flexibility is evenly taken from both legs, whereas in a functional front split more flexibility usually comes from the front leg).
Try This Exercise
If you can do a TFS, even a functional one, and want to master a Center Split, try this exercise called ~Integrity~.
Interested in full mastering a split, with every muscle properly stretched? Try our programs:
Side, Open Front & True Front Splits Strength & Flexibility
BEGINNER, INTERMEDIATE AND ADVANCED PROGRAMS
Learn how to do a Side, Open Front and True Front Split at home with a proven method that is guaranteed to learn new set of ZST's and Supporting Exercises to help get you beyond the 180 degree split!.
- See visible results in 1 to 3 easy follow along workouts.
- Unique muscle by muscle isolation stretching techniques.
- Fast Progress.
- Permanent Results.
- No Pain.
- No Injuries.
- Flexibility & Strength combined.
- For all ages.
- 30 – 40 minute workouts, 2 – 3 times a week.
- All videos contain subtitles.
- Train at home. At your pace. From any device.
- Instant Access.
- No hidden fees. No strings attached. No surprises.
This Online On Demand Video Training Course Contains:
Side (Middle) Split Beginner Program
Beginner program will take you step by step through a routine that contains specific Warm up and conditioning exercises, proprietary and necessary ZST's to target all the muscles involved in a side split, paired with special supporting exercises, as well as a cooldown. This program will help get you to the 135 degree Side (Middle) Split.
0 - 135 degrees
Side (Middle) Split Intermediate Program
In this training program you will continue to improve your split going above the 135 degrees that you've gained in the beginner level. Here you will learn a set of new conditioning exercises, ZST's and Supporting exercises to help you keep your newly found flexibility.
135 - 180 degrees
Side (Middle) Splits Advanced Program
Advanced Program will find you working on perfecting your Side (Middle) split and going beyond 180 degrees into an oversplit. Here you will work mostly on additional adductors and very targeted side split exercises which will give you that extra oomph you're looking for.
180 degrees and beyond
Open Front Split Beginner Program
Beginner program will take you step by step through a routine that contains specific Warm up and conditioning exercises, proprietary and necessary ZST's to target all the muscles involved in an open front split, paired with special supporting exercises, as well as a cooldown. This program will help get you to the 135 degree Open Front Split.
0 - 135 degrees
Open Front Split Intermediate Program
In this training program you will continue to improve your split going above the 135 degrees that you've gained in the beginner level. Here you will learn a set of new conditioning exercises, ZST's and Supporting exercises to help you keep your newly found flexibility.
135 - 180 degrees
Open Front Splits Advanced Program
Advanced Program will find you working on perfecting your Open Front split and going beyond 180 degrees into an oversplit. Here you will work mostly on additional adductors and very targeted open front split exercises which will give you that extra oomph you're looking for.
180 degrees and beyond
True Front Split Beginner Program
Beginner program will take you step by step through a routine that contains specific Warm up and conditioning exercises, proprietary and necessary ZST's to target all the muscles involved in a True Front split, paired with special supporting exercises, as well as a cooldown. This program will help get you to the 135 degree True Front Split.
0 - 135 degrees
True Front Split Intermediate Program
In this training program you will continue to improve your split going above the 135 degrees that you've gained in the beginner level. Here you will learn a set of new conditioning exercises, ZST's and Supporting exercises to help you keep your newly found flexibility.
135 - 180 degrees
True Front Splits Advanced Program
Advanced Program will find you working on perfecting your True Front split and going beyond 180 degrees into an oversplit. Here you will work mostly on additional adductors and very targeted true front split exercises which will give you that extra oomph you're looking for.
180 degrees and beyond
Look inside this training program:
In each program you will learn:
Mobility Exercises
Mobility exercises for each joint, to keep your joints healthy and lubricated.
Skill Specific Warmup
Skill Specific warmup exercises to gradually prepare your body for a split.
Zaichik Stretching Techniques
Proprietary stretching techniques, for each muscle involved in a split, so that your flexibility improves right away without pain.
Unique Flexibility & Strength Supporting Techniques
Special techniques that allow you to retain your newly gained flexibility and connect it to your target skill.
Plus when you sign up for this course you will also get these bonuses:
Stretch180 App
Flexibility Measurement App Online. This app will measure your splits accurately and tell you how many degrees you are progressing each training session. Track your progress. Give you an estimated date for full splits. Keep you engaged and motivated with your flexibility training. And keep you focused on your EasyFlexibility Goals!
Support Group
Access to a Private Support Group: No longer will you train alone. Now you can be part of a group and train alongside other EasyFlexibility practitioners. Once registered for this course you will gain access to a private support group, where you will find 24-hour active community to share your experience with, ask questions and get advice.
Lifetime Access
Once purchased, this course is your to keep forever! There are no hidden fees and no strings attached. You will not be billed monthly, you pay only one time and get unlimited lifetime access to this program which is kept for you in your very own online library for easy access on any device of your choice, anytime, anywhere.
Try a Free Zaichik Stretching Technique called ~Content~ from the EasyFlexibility Side Split Training Program right now!
Ready to get started? Thousands of people worldwide have achieved the same results you're dreaming about and you can too!
It's easy to get started!
If you are ready to do effortless Splits ANYTIME that you wish with a training method that is Easy, Pain Free and Fast, that is designed to work naturally with your body and keep your flexibility for years to come, then join thousands of satisfied EasyFlexibility practitioners and START YOUR TRAINING TODAY!
This Combo includes the following step by step instructions for:
- Beginner Side Splits
- Intermediate Side Split
- Advanced Side Split
- Beginner Open Front Split
- Intermediate Open Front Split
- Advanced Open Front Split
- Beginner True Front Split
- Intermediate True Front Split
- Advance True Front Split
The price for this course is only $269.55 $159.99
Don't take our word for it, see what our students have to say...
Got my full side split in a little over a month!
I simply cannot believe the results! Kept what I got and kept going to an oversplit! Can't wait to share my results with you! Thank you! Thank you! -Gina F.
Zaichik Stretching Method is unlike anything you've ever tried before!
Zaichik Stretching Method is unlike anything you've ever tried before!
- Scientifically designed by a world renowned fitness & flexibility expert Paul Zaichik, with over 30 years experience in the field.
- Isolates muscle action one by one (to ensure they are doing their job).
- Takes care of the muscles that are tighter first.
- Allows easier focus, since you are working on one specific area at a time.
- You can do it All on your own! No pushing or bouncing is necessary, not even a partner!
- Remember that phrase 'No Pain - No Gain?', well it doesn't apply to our method. Each stretch is designed to be PAIN-FREE! Thereby eliminating discomfort and allowing you to continue training to achieve faster results.
- Totally safe , since it was designed according to what is natural for your body.
- Gains are permanent and steady. It is very enjoyable to do.
- The approach of our programs is very different from standard stretching approaches. Instead of using other poses, for example such as in Yoga, other Asanas are used to prepare for a stretch, Zaichik Stretching Techniques are used to isolate each muscle being stretched which results in a pain free, fast, easy and safe stretching method.
- Results are visible right away since the stretch reflex is avoided, which means you'll get to show off your flexibility in no time!
Zaichik Stretching Method is a proven and tested method!
Zaichik Stretching Method is a proven and tested method that took Paul Zaichik, the founder of EasyFlexibility, 30 years of rigorous testing, experimentation, and deep knowledge of the human body to perfect.
30 years of knowledge compressed into concise, easy to follow online training course which will take 30 – 40 minutes of your time, 2 – 3 times a week to get the results you’re dreaming about!
With ZST (Zaichik Stretching Technique) there is no guess work involved. Each stretch is designed to isolate the muscles that are the culprits of flexibility issues.
What this means is that in just a few sessions you will be able to see improvement and not just feel it but actually measure it with a special free measuring app which will show you exactly how many degrees you have improved in your flexibility.
Zaichik Stretching Method is based on facts, science and lots of research and yet is very simple to understand. All of our programs are pre-recorded online video training step by step tutorials. There is absolutely no guess work involved, no time wasting guessing what to do or why your training is not working! Everything is easy to understand, do and follow, and most importantly GET RESULTS.
With ZST (Zaichik Stretching Technique) there is no guess work involved. Each stretch is designed to isolate the muscles that are the culprits of flexibility issues.
What this means is that in just a few sessions you will be able to see improvement and not just feel it but actually measure it with a special free measuring app which will show you exactly how many degrees you have improved in your flexibility.
Zaichik Stretching Method is based on facts, science and lots of research and yet is very simple to understand. All of our programs are pre-recorded online video training step by step tutorials. There is absolutely no guess work involved, no time wasting guessing what to do or why your training is not working! Everything is easy to understand, do and follow, and most importantly GET RESULTS.
Zaichik Stretching Method is designed for ALL people of ALL AGES and FITNESS BACKGROUNDS!
This method is not reserved for some elite and fit people who have been working out their whole lives and now are easily getting their splits. This method is designed for ALL people, of ALL fitness backgrounds, of ALL ages! Even if you have never worked out a day in your life you will be able to follow our programs and GET RESULTS!
Why are we so confident?
This method is not reserved for some elite and fit people who have been working out their whole lives and now are easily getting their splits. This method is designed for ALL people, of ALL fitness backgrounds, of ALL ages! Even if you have never worked out a day in your life you will be able to follow our programs and GET RESULTS!
Why are we so confident?
Because, other stretching methods out there rely on forcing all of your muscles to stretch at the same time. Leaving you sitting in a straddle, in pain, frustrated and ready to give up. or most people it is associated with discomfort, pain and perhaps even injury due to the invasive nature of the applied exercise. Why that happens you may wonder. The answer is simple - most training routines don’t factor in the need for relaxation between contraction periods, which leads to tension and stress.
Zaichik Stretching Technique on the other hand, allows for complete focus not only on each hip individually, but on each of the muscles separately! This ensures that your flexibility is coming from all of your muscles. Where each muscle does it's job without slacking off, instead of all the pressure being placed on an already exhausted, overworked and overstretched muscles. This means that every single stretch is scientifically designed to target one muscle at a time, translating into a very safe and nourishing experience for your body.
Zaichik Stretching Technique takes care of the muscles that are tighter first.
Tight muscles translate into easy injuries. Traditional stretching methods focus on all muscle stretches at the same time. Zaichik Stretching Technique (ZST) allows you to focus on muscles that are the underlying cause of slow progress and potential injury. Releasing tight muscles first allows for a much more enjoyable stretching session, leaving you feeling renewed, relaxed and refreshed and yet invigorated to tackle any task of the day.
Zaichik Stretching Method allows easier focus since you are working on one specific area at a time.
Instead of doing the same stretches over and over again with ZST method you will be able to strategically focus on a specific area of your body. This allows muscle memory to kick in and help you achieve steady results.
You can do it all on your own!
No pushing or bouncing is necessary, not even a partner. This is freedom at it's finest, no longer will you need a partner or anything but your own body and the floor to get flexible fast. This means that you can do these very enjoyable stretches at the time that works for you. No need to go anywhere or spend tons of money on one-on-one stretching sessions that don't work. With ZST you acquire much more than freedom, you acquire the KEY to success!
Zaichik Stretching Method is PAIN FREE!
Remember that phrase "No Pain - No Gain?" Well, it doesn't apply to our method. Each stretch is designed to be Pain-FREE. Thereby eliminating discomfort to allow you to continue training to achieve faster results.
Zaichik Stretching Method is the only stretching method that is NATURAL for YOUR BODY!
Totally safe, since it was designed according to what is natural for your body. Paul Zaichik, a World Renowned Fitness & Flexibility expert has spent many decades perfecting the Zaichik Stretching Techniques. Having tested this method on himself, his family and thousands of people around the world the conclusion was evident. Everyone achieved results without injuries! This is possible due to the succession of each element forming the ZST. Each technique responding to the natural movement of the body, transforming it from within.
Gains are permanent and steady.
Unlike other stretching techniques ZST is designed to give you results that last. No longer will you need to start over every time you stretch. Utilizing muscle memory, your body will start from where it left off the last time you stretched, working in unison with your mind and your desire to progress further. The endless struggle of mind vs matter will come to an end where your body will be in tune with your mind allowing for fast flexibility gains steadily helping you to attain your goals.
Zaichik Stretching Method combines Strength & Flexibility into One workout session!
It is very enjoyable to do, and feels more like a workout. If you're worried that you will not have enough time to squeeze in a full body workout, you will. With ZST method you're getting much more than just a stretching routine. You are also getting a strength training workout. Strengthening and stretching your muscles in one session is a win-win for your body, keeping it a lean, mean, strength and flexibility performing machine.
Each ZST session will have you walk away refreshed, relaxed and yet invigorated ready for the most rigorous activity of the day. With ZST results are visible right away since the stretch reflex is avoided! This only means one thing: You'll get to show off your flexibility in no time! After experiencing the Zaichik Stretching Techniques: "Watch out for my superhuman flexibility" will become your mantra.
It's easy to get started!
If you are ready to do effortless Splits ANYTIME that you wish with a training method that is Easy, Pain Free and Fast, that is designed to work naturally with your body and keep your flexibility for years to come, then join thousands of satisfied EasyFlexibility practitioners and START YOUR TRAINING TODAY!
This Combo includes the following step by step instructions for:
- Beginner Side Splits
- Intermediate Side Split
- Advanced Side Split
- Beginner Open Front Split
- Intermediate Open Front Split
- Advanced Open Front Split
- Beginner True Front Split
- Intermediate True Front Split
- Advance True Front Split
The price for this course is only $269.55 $159.99
Enough time wasted!
Stop wasting time and money, risking your health, hitting plateaus, wondering how to reach your goal instead of working towards it! Start your EasyFlexibility Splits Training Program right NOW and soon it will be YOU sitting in a full 180 degree Splits MUCH SOONER than you expect!
Please note: that these are not downloadable programs, nor are these programs available in DVD format. All our programs are Pre Recorded Online On Demand Video Strength & Flexibility Training Programs. Once you place your order, you will receive an email containing your login information on how to login to your very own online library which will contain all the programs that you purchase from us. This is an online library, which you can access any time that you wish from any device, phone, computer, ipad. There is no time limit for you to view your programs, you get to keep them in your library indefinitely, and access them any time, anywhere, and for as long as you want to!
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Don’t see what you want? Need help selecting a program? Want to buy more than one program? We can put together a one step checkout for you with all the programs that you wish to buy so you don't need to keep clicking the buy now button over and over again and can checkout one time with all the programs you need. We’re here for you! Just send us an email to info@easyflexibility.com describing your goals and we will help select the right program for you!
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1 comment
I can do side split but can’t do MIDDLE split and I have been trying since 3 years however still I’m trying..
Hence,I want effective and special way of technical exercise to get MIDDLE flexibility