What is the benefit of learning the splits?

Table of Contents

Not a dancer, circus performer, yogi.. Why bother?

Maybe you don’t see the point of taking a splits class if you’re not a dancer or someone who would need the splits. Well, I’m here to tell you that you don’t have to be a dancer or contortionist to get the benefits of learning this intense stretch (psst, one of the reasons not listed here is better sex, read all about that here)! Already taking Split it in Two? Then get a better sense of why it’s been so great for you!

A side view of Vera in a front split position, with her face towards the camera smiling.

Better overall health

Learning the splits is great for flexibility, but it also does wonders for your joint health and balance! The stretches we go over that focus on getting us into a deeper split have been proven to help health issues such as Parkinson’s and cardiovascular disease by encouraging muscle strength, motor control, and better circulation.

Stretch out your tightest muscles

The most common split is the front split (sometimes called a side split), which focuses on our hip flexors and hamstrings. The split pose is one of the deepest hip flexor openers out there. We often have tight hip flexors from sitting for long periods of time, so we don’t often get opportunities to stretch it out enough. Not only do we give our hip flexors a good stretch in class, but we also get a wicked good stretch in our hamstrings and quads. Stretching out these large muscle groups is great if you ride a bike, run, walk, or just use your legs a lot on a daily basis.

Gain greater body awareness and perseverance

I won’t lie, getting your splits is not easy. Our hips carry a lot of stress, and stretching for our splits focuses on opening up the hips and working our legs. This can be intense for people, especially if you don’t focus on your lower body often. But an intense stretch brings us deepened body awareness when practiced mindfully over time, as we become acutely aware of what muscles are working. Not only that, but we can’t cheat when it comes to the splits. We have to stick with it and see through the discomfort for the end goal.

Remember, you need some patience for the splits. There is no rush; you still get the same benefits out of these stretches if you’re full to the ground, or if you have a foot to go. Stick with it though! On average, people can get into a fully-squared split in 6 to 12 months with consistent training just once a week. That consistency can be tough, especially if you’re not quite sure what to be working on to get further. Split it in Two will help you understand not only the mechanics behind it all, but also stretches and drills to get you further in two weeks and beyond.