What is the benefit of learning the splits?

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

You know I’ve been offering a splits-specific class since I began teaching, but maybe you didn’t see the point of taking it 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! Already taking Splitsville? Then get a better sense of why it’s been so great for you! 

Better overall health
It goes without saying 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
In Splitsville we often work mainly towards our front splits, 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 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, Splitsville is not easy. Our hips carry a lot of stress, and this hour-long class 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 the class 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 full squared split in 6 to 12 months with consistent training just once a week. So what are you waiting for? Join Splitsville every Thursday at 6 pm EST, and don’t forget if that time doesn’t work for you, there is always a recording sent out afterward!