Expert: Jessica Bugg - 9/25/2006

Question
I can't really do the splitz and I want to be a cheerleader.  A friend told me that you HAVE to be able to do the splitz to get into cheerleading, is that true?

Answer
Although having the ability to do the splits is a plus (for flexibility reasons) you do not have to be able to do the splits in order to get into cheerleading.

If you would like to learn how to do the splits I recommend the following tips:

1).  Stretch every day.  The only way to improve flexibility is to work on it everyday.

2).  Spread out both legs against a wall in your house or gym with your feet brace against the wall.  Scoot forward as far as you can and hold that stretch for ten minutes.  Use this stretch as part of your daily stretching routine.  After a few weeks you should be able to do this stretch with your chest touching the wall.  You are now holding a middle or straddle splits which is the most difficult splits for most people to learn.

3).  To improve your right splits try to go down into your right splits with your right knee facing the ceiling and your left knee touching the floor.  Don't worry if you can't get all the way down at first.  Hold this position for 30 seconds.  Then switch to your left splits with your left knee facing the ceiling and your right knee touching the floor.  Again, hold for 30 seconds.  

Good luck!
Jessica Bugg