Parents Flexibility

[Newbiee]

Is it usual for a gymnast to lose splits? DD loses her splits a lot , she will get them flat then after a few weeks struggle to get them down again. Any advice?

 

[glitterrays]

Is it usual for a gymnast to lose splits? DD loses her splits a lot , she will get them flat then after a few weeks struggle to get them down again. Any advice?

think its pretty normal if theres a break of stretching, id advise a stretchinf routine, maybe 2 minutes everyday, it helps keep it consistent

 

[Coach Kate]

Yes, without daily practice, flexibility can indeed fade. I trained contortion for a few years as an adult and I had to spend a bare minimum of an hour every day just as maintenance. For splits, a few minutes a day should be fine.

 

[christinemay21]

Splits is definitely a 'use it or lose it' type thing! My daughter has the same thing if she doesn't stretch for a while. Just make sure she keeps up the stretching at least twice a week!

 

[Newbiee]

Yes, without daily practice, flexibility can indeed fade. I trained contortion for a few years as an adult and I had to spend a bare minimum of an hour every day just as maintenance. For splits, a few minutes a day should be fine.

Yes, without daily practice, flexibility can indeed fade. I trained contortion for a few years as an adult and I had to spend a bare minimum of an hour every day just as maintenance. For splits, a few minutes a day should be f

Yes, without daily practice, flexibility can indeed fade. I trained contortion for a few years as an adult and I had to spend a bare minimum of an hour every day just as maintenance. For splits, a few minutes a day should be fine.

Thanks for your reply! Is there any stretches you would recommend? As she is young (7) and already training a few days per week it would be good to have a short stretch routine that she would be able to manage a few days a week so wondering if there is certain stretches that are more effective than others?

 

[Coach Kate]

I would make sure her body is a little warm first - even just 30 jumping jacks or 10 candlestick rolls. Then she could do her stretches from her warm-ups she does at gym. I personally, as both a coach and athlete, like active movements like kicks - front, side, needle - as well as straddles, pikes and splits. I also find quad splits using a wall to be very helpful.

 

[Pineapple_Lump]

Little and often is better than a big stretch session once a week.

For videos to follow look up FlexAbilities by Shelby McNamara - heaps of free content and I think those who have purchased her programs have been very happy.