Expert: Kimmi - 4/12/2008

Question
hey, i have wanted to be a cheerleader for as long as i can remember, but im not very flexible. i can almost do the splits but when i get really close to the ground it hurts REALLY bad. what can i do to get more flexible?
P.S. can you please explain how to do the stretches and stuff.

Thanx so much. oh and your answers seem to be the most helpful so thats why im asking you.

Answer
Hi Christine,

   Congrats on working to become a cheerleader. Flexibility comes very natural for some people and the rest of us will always have to work ridiculously hard...it sucks. That said, the best way to get the splits is to stretch in the splits whenever possible. But the more you stretch in general, the better it is as well.
   Ok, stretches for general flexibility -  
-Split stretches: Sit on the floor with your legs open in front of you. Stretch to the left and reach for your toes with both hands. Switch and stretch to the right. Then to the middle. Reach as far as you can with your hands.
-Butterflies: Sit on the floor with your legs in front of you. Put the bottoms of your feet together. Hold onto your feet and using your leg muscles, try to push downwards to the floor with your knees. Do not bounce your knees back and forth. Just push.   
-Things in the splits. Do your splits, do your splits all the time. Then try to do things. For example, in your left leg forward split, lean forward and reach and stretch and hold. Then try to arch backwards and hold.
-Stretches with friends. You can have a friend help stretch you. You lay on the ground on your back and lift your leg. Have your friend grab your leg and gently push your leg up. Keep your knee locked and only stretch until it hurts, then stop.
  These are all things you can do. You can look up about 5 million more stretches as well. Good luck.
Happy Cheering!
Kimmi