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Straddle (Side Split) Muscle and Joint Injuries

Posted by Paul Zaichik on

Muscle imbalance is a common cause.

In the past most people tried to achieve their straddle split, by forcing the legs apart. Either using a partner, a stretching machine or their own bodyweight.

This method of course works, since many have gotten their split this way...
Advantages and Disadvantages

The advantage of this method is simplicity… Just sit or stand and PUSH.

When doing it this way, you know where you are, you have a mental picture of where you want to be. You simply have to stretch your body into your desired position.

Of course the dis-advantage of “I am here, I want to be there and I will force myself there” is injuries and time.

When talking about side split (center split) specifically, 25-30% of people using the above described method develop a unilateral hip injury. Sometimes it’s a joint and sometimes it’s a muscle (or group of muscles) and sometimes it’s both.
More people injure the flexible side as opposite to tight side. This means that if the right adductors are tighter, the left have a higher chance of being injured. This simply because the constricted side refused to give, and the looser side stretches more and more. Often to the point of injury.

Usually people assume that when training their straddles, by forcing the legs apart, both sides stretch equally. Most of the time, that’s not the case.

Test for yourself.

  • Lay down on your back and lift your thighs vertically. You can try this with bent or straight legs.
  • Keep your back flat. (Don’t let one side of your body to come up).
  • Separate your legs apart.
  • Most likely you will notice one leg more to the side than the other.
  • Of course the more flexible leg is closer to the floor. The tighter one is more vertical.

Our Method: ZST (Zaichik Stretching Techniques)

With ZST’s (Zaichik Stretching Technique’s) we can go even further and check with muscle is more flexible or tight and on which leg. But we’ll leave it with general “side vs side”.
If you noticed that your legs are not equally flexible, you are at a higher chance of injury.

What to do

  • What do we recommend? Stretch each muscle separately.
If you do this, the tighter side will have to lengthen. As opposed to slacking off and letting the other side take most of the “responsibility.”

Try this Zaichik Stretching Technique

This ZST called ~Certainty~ targets the pectineus muscle. Try this technique and see if both sides feel and look the same.
Interested in full mastery of a split, with every muscle properly stretched? Click on the picture below to find out more about our EasyFlexibility Side Splits programs:

Learn how to do a Side (Middle) Split at home with a proven method that is guaranteed to take you from 0 to a 180 degree split and beyond. We can even predict the date that you'll get your 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.
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS COURSE
Don't take our word for it, see what our students have to say...
side split testimonial
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.
Side Split Middle Split Anatomy

Side (Middle) Split Strength & Flexibility Training at Home

COMPLETE COMBO - ALL 3 LEVELS - BEGINNER, INTERMEDIATE, ADVANCED
how to do a middle split

Learn how to do a Side (Middle) Split at home with a proven method that is guaranteed to take you from 0 to a 180 degree split and beyond. We can even predict the date that you'll get your 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.
Click here to get started!

Look inside this training program:

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!

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

In each level 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. 

Try a Free Zaichik Stretching Technique called ~Content~ from the EasyFlexibility Side Split Training Program right now!

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. 

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 Course includes the following step by step instructions for:
  • Beginner Split
  • Intermediate Split
  • Advanced Split (Beyond 180 degrees)
The price for this course is only $89.97 $59.95

Yes! I'm ready to get my FULL 180 degree Side Split!
Don't take our word for it, see what our students have to say...
side split testimonial
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.

Did you know that a Split requires specific muscles to be flexible and that if ONLY 1 of these muscles is tight you won’t get your split?

That’s right ONLY 1 muscle can be the reason that you still aren’t able to do a 180 Degree Split.

Well, we’re here to change that! Paul Zaichik, the founder of the Zaichik Stretching Techniques did a break down of each of the muscles that are involved in a split and came up with a revolutionary stretching method based on the science of Kinesiology, that guarantees that you will get your 180 Degree FLAT Split Fast, Safe and Easy!

With the Zaichik Stretching Method you can PINPOINT which muscle is tight, and work on it, kinesiologically, which means targeting the issue in a way that is natural for your body.

Meaning 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 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. There is no guess work involved. Each stretch is designed to isolate the muscles that are the culprits of flexibility issues. This is opposed to standard stretching you have seen everywhere else.

Stretching exercises are most effective when combined with specialized strength exercises which allow your body to take advantage of your newly gained range of motion and transfer that range of motion into a full 180 degree Split.

This program has been designed tested and retested many times, for optimum combination of stretching and strength exercises for fastest and easiest results.

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 step by step, online training course which will take 30 – 40 minutes of your time, 2 – 3 times a week to get you your perfect 180 degree Split.

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.

So if you want a proven, safe, easy to understand and do training program based on science, that is guaranteed to get you that perfect 180 Degree Split, then register for this course and start your training today!

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.

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?

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 Course includes the following step by step instructions for:
  • Beginner Split
  • Intermediate Split
  • Advanced Split (Beyond 180 degrees)
The price for this course is only $89.97 $59.95

Yes! I'm ready to get my FULL 180 degree Side Split!
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!

YOU MAY ALSO BE INTERESTED IN:

Master Splits Combo
This package contains 9 programs:
Side Splits Beginner
Side Splits Intermediate
Side Splits Advanced
Open Front Splits Beginner
Open Front Splits Intermediate
Open Front Splits Advanced
True Front Splits Beginner
True Front Splits Intermediate
True Front Splits Advanced
Hip Combo Beginner Level 
This package contains 6 programs: 
Hamstrings Beginner
Hip Flexor Beginner/Intermediate
Adductors Flexibility
Glutes & Iliotibial Band
Internal Hip Rotation
Hip Turn Out
Super Splits Combo
This package contains 12 programs:
Standing Front Split
Standing Side Split
Lord of the Dance Pose
Side Split Beginner
Side Split Intermediate
Side Split Advanced
True Front Split Beginner
True Front Split Intermediate
True Front Split Advanced
Open Front Split Beginner
Open Front Split Intermediate
Open Front Split Advanced
Super Grand Dance Combo
This package contains 32 programs + 6 FREE GIFTS! That's 38 programs all together!
Turn Out
Foot & Ankle 
Developpe A La Seconde
Arabesque & Attitude Derriere
Attitude Devant
Penché
Side Tilt Kick
Back Extension Beginner
Back Extension Intermediate
Hip Flexor Beginner/Intermediate
Hip Flexor Advanced
Side Bending Beginner
Side Bending Intermediate
Hamstrings Beginner
Hamstrings Intermediate
Hamstrings Advanced
Hamstrings Double Forward Bend
Overhead Shoulder Flexibility (flexion)
Adductors Flexibility
Glutes & Iliotibial Band
Standing Front Split
Standing Side Split
Lord of the Dance Pose, Dancers Pose
Side Split Beginner
Side Split Intermediate
Side Split Advanced
True Front Split Beginner
True Front Split Intermediate
True Front Split Advanced
Open Front Split Beginner
Open Front Split Intermediate
Open Front Split Advanced
PLUS 6 FREE PROGRAMS VALUED AT $179.99
Tuck & Pike
High Jump
Ball of the Foot
Perfect Posture
Extended Length Conditioning for Lower Body
Massage Lower Body

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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  • beautitul, thanks for sharing your knowledge

    Nathanael Aulet on

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