Expert: Tessa Denen - 7/9/2009

Question
I was a gymnast. I had all of my splits. I quit doing anything for three months. I decided to do cheerleading. I am a cheerleader for my jumps, flying and tumbling. In tumbling I have a full twist.
I lost my splits during the three months and have ben trying for almost two years to get them back! I am almost there but any suggestions? Suggestions that wont make me sore, because then i'll have to start all over again!
                      Thank you

Answer
Hello!!

Well I'm not going to lie, you aren't going to like my answer. Unfortunately there is not a specific trick that will get your splits back for you. You just need to stretch every single day for at least 20 minutes. Don't back away when it starts to hurt, but don't push it too much either. If you tear a muscle it will grow back tighter so be careful. Start slowly and work up to your splits every time you stretch. Go in this order:

Butterfly (push your knees to the floor)
One leg out (both right and left)
Pike
Straddle
Splits

Do each trick first pointing then flexing your toes.

Do this every day and hold each split for about 3-5 minutes. Eventually they'll come back.  

Sorry there isn't a secret trick :(

Good luck!!!!