Learning the Splits (aged 39)

I learned the splits in 60 days.
**Additional notes in the pinned comment *
A massive thanks to Kelly Starrett (@TheReadyState) for talking to me about the benefits of the splits.
Kelly's channel is here: / thereadystate
I recommend watching this Ready State video about how learning the splits can help back pain: • The Batman hip opener ...
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[@LauraTryUK]

Notes about this video: 1. I did my splits practice after my morning workout when my body was warm. 2. I was able to do the splits as a child, so the muscle memory was probably within my body - I think this made progress quite quick in the first few weeks. 3. I have tried learning the splits on and off as an adult (you'll see in my 30 days of yoga video) and got pretty close to full splits many times, but my practice was not consistent and I always gave up. Again, I think this previous practice helped me get the full splits in 60 days. 4. I was going to make this a 30-day challenge but then decided against it as it would have meant pushing hard and a possible injury. I am pleased I took it for as long as it needed to be.

[@yuzon0224]

Ok I just read this now lol 😂

[@saltenskov]

Me2;)

[@lauraetco]

Glad to read number 2. Might explain why my progress is do much slower. I'm 39 and am on month six. Calf is almost down. That's it. I've never done the splits I my life.

[@Subtletext]

I'm starting at 100 degrees. You were almost there (160 degrees spread. Any tips for us very unflexable people, starting out?

[@Iflie]

I remember as a kid the ballet class wanted to do them and I managed during the 6 or 7 weeks of summer vacation... as an adult I think it would take me much longer than 60 days but it would be fun to try. I don't want to end up one of the shuffling elderly one day. From frozen hips and joints.

[@TyBalance]

Her dropping into a split in that yellow dress at that party literally has me hollering 😂😂😂 I love it so much! Congratulations woman!

[@Kamkammmmm]

😂😂😂 “Do it! Do it!”

[@stephaniecox5770]

I'm 75 and going to do this challenge. I figure it'll take me twice as long. I'll do it though! Thanks for the inspiration ❤

[@mayanovak2497]

How’s it going??

[@Theoneandonly0071]

How did it go

[@Ariplaygames]

Would love to know if it worked for you!

[@beyondreality8506]

That's what im talking about!!! Im 54 snd have never done a split.

[@sueliflausino1160]

Farei o mesmo! Tenho 55anos.

[@stevencottam7570]

I’m 61 and today managed 500 press ups and 100 pull ups, your challenges inspire me, ( never had a warm shower for 4 months ) you are amazing!

[@LauraTryUK]

WOW! 100 pull-ups! That's incredible. That's my current challenge ....

[@TheCuratorIsHere]

What’s a pressup? A push up?

[@hilaryjeb]

@@TheCuratorIsHere I think pressup is UK and pushup is USA

[@mohammedmustafa3858]

​@@TheCuratorIsHerebarbell press

[@fabienpaillusson7390]

​@TheCuratorIsHere yes it's a push up

[@TheSoundsInside]

I’ve tried on and off to work towards the splits sooo many times. You’ve inspired me to begin my practice again!

[@LauraTryUK]

This is great news! We’ve just got to go for it 💪 A few months effort and you will basque in your glory 😀

[@tandt119]

Doing the splits is also a goal of mine. But I’m not understanding the PNF method. I’m confused as to how you push into the floor while doing the splits. Can you explain?

[@Padraigp]

​@@tandt119so basically instead of just taking the elastic bands of your legs and pushing them with your hands into the floor passively you actually try to get into a split position with your leg muscles... so active legs ass oppposed to passive legs. .. you can also push the front thigh up towards your body which strengthens the front thigh and helps hams relax. Strong hips are a must for doing this sort of thing cos if youre not strong and just flexible then if things go awry at any point you can get hurt. So always work on strnegthening as well as stretching.

[@HGCUPCAKES]

@@LauraTryUKnot sure I’d you’re aware, but if you look at your elbows in this when you’re stretching, you hyperextend your elbows. You look like you could be hyper flexible.

[@Marilynschannel]

Same here . I am starting my own challenge today . This video was motivating . ❤

[@luciehsuen8981]

Thanks for showing how to do the spilts. Step by step. Discipline & practice. I am 70. Still able to do the split. Never stop learning. No pressure just enjoy. Work at it it will come. Accepting what comes❤️.

[@LauraTryUK]

A lovely comment. Thank you Lucie 🙏

[@celestek.2395]

⭐️WARM UP⭐️ Please remember to warm up, getting your heart pumping for a few minutes BEFORE trying stretching like this. It’s very important, because you can get injured very easily if you don’t.💗

[@athommo1]

I used to be able to do the splits in my 20s (57 now) and I’ve always done yoga so I’m reasonably strong and flexible. But I’ve always had some degree of hip tightness/impingement and low back pain. I’m 5 days into this challenge and my hip and low back pain have all but disappeared. I do this before bed and the 10 minutes gives me the same buzz as a 1 hour yin class. So pleased I came across this. 😊

[@LauraTryUK]

THIS IS THE SUCH A GREAT COMMENT! Argh! I am so so happy! Thank you for sharing your experience! Please keep me updated on your progress. I can completely relate to the awesome feeling after - the release in the hips and back is such a relieving feeling, don't you think?

[@cottondai]

So far the best progression of split I have ever seen in KZbin.

[@JesseDriftwood]

I've wanted to learn how to do the splits as long as I can remember! This made me feel like I just might be able to! So cool!

[@LauraTryUK]

Go on Jesse! You know I expect a video of you in full-blown splits now 💪 😉 In all seriousness, it was a really great experiment. My body felt great as a result. and I'm still doing it now.

[@portiabartel]

So encouraging! I'm 31 and I've been doing pole dancing for a little over a year. There are SO many cool moves and poses that require flexibility that I do NOT have because I can't do splits at all. I really want to be able to do the splits to improve my form and flexibility, but I've been so discouraged, it sounded like it would take YEARS to be able to get the right form

[@stuff1784]

This was the most realistic video I’ve seen! I love how you took it slow and how once you got the splits, you explained how it helped you run better! You said your hips and glutes felt sooo much looser! That’s enough motivation for me!

[@bunny_0288]

I got my splits when I was 14. I had them all through my 20's even if I hadn't done it in a while I could still get them. Then I turned 30 and I swear my body stiffened up overnight 😂. And I don't have them anymore. I really want to get them again! This is inspiring!

[@elainealmquist957]

My favorite thing about your videos is that we're the same age, and I just love to know another woman is still setting goals, showing up for herself every day, and showing how the body can do amazing things. Thank you!

[@brendasaller]

It is safer to start the pigeon pose before pushing so much pressure on your hamstrings. Learning step by step avoiding risks

[@Amonkey1982]

Found this video 8 weeks ago. Now I have done 6 weeks of training. Being confident to move further.

[@lifeishealinghealthwellnes1979]

It seems like the best exercise to achieve the split is the split itself. I have been doing other various exercises for months with little or no gain. Recently, I switched over to spending most of my time in the split position and noticing much more progress. Thanks so much for pioneering the way.

[@LauraTryUK]

yes, I would have to agree here, no better way to achieve something than to do the something. I am currently using the same approach for the pancake. It's been a good process, but a little slower, but that's ok.

[@morighani]

yes yes yes. I wasted a lot of time following “split videos” where i spend the entire time doing random leg stretches and only suffer the splits for 2 minutes at the end. Don’t get me wrong it’s great for flexibility and I was able to do a lot more but i still didn’t get the splits. What this lady did is the best method

[@adrianavargova]

Yes, when I was dancing at 21, I got quite close to splits, but I was simply not able to do other stretches. The fellow girls didn't understand how I managed to get so close to splits 😂, because I was stiff at those stretches. But it didn't stop my body to progress in splits 🤷‍♀️ So I am 44 now and I need to get to the splits for various other health conditions. The best way to get there is to do them 🤷‍♀️

[@zurgitbanzal7913]

@@LauraTryUKwhat is the strap that your wearing on ur body? Does it help posture?

[@angelsjoker8190]

As far as I know, plantar fasciitis has a lot to do with tight calf-muscles that put tension on the tendons leading down to under your foot. (Calf stretching exercises were most effective to relieve the plantar fasciitis pain long-term for me). When you train for the front splits, you also stretch the calves, so it makes sense that you also experience improvement with your plantar fasciitis.

[@Aziara86]

I'm gonna start training. I'm 36 and have anterior pelvic tilt, and have had lots of back and hip pain from tight muscles for most of my life. Thanks for the inspiration!

[@miraiedits]

I'm basically in the same boat, turning 36 in December lol I did a few jumps and ended up with a shin splint. That's when I thought "Yeah this isn't ideal in any way or form."

[@BrittKatSlat]

I have hideous back pain from sacroiliac joint pain. And im almost 37.

[@lellytalks4296]

SI joint disorder is horrific. I like the idea of the psoas stretching but, as someone with a connective tissue disorder, I think I'd need to be careful. Sometimes muscles ache because they're weak and need strengthening rather than stretching. Be interested to try this as I'm at my wits end with SI issues!

[@ronicmwest401]

As i get older i realize how critical it is for me to strength train and stretch regular. You encourage me to maybe to try this. Im so focused on aging well.

[@starhill6792]

I love that you’re in your thirties learning this. It’s rare to see people trying anything new after 25. I’m rapidly approaching 25 & I’m not done challenging myself & learning things. In fact I’m just getting started. You’re an inspiration 💕

[@katherinemurphy2762]

I started ballet when I was 35 (am going on 38 now) and so happy I did! When I was a child I wanted to be in ballet, but my family didn't have the economic opportunity. Once the world "opened up" in 2021, I enrolled in an adult beginner ballet class nearby and have been going ever since! My new year's resolution this year was to be able to touch my toes, which I haven't been able to do since I was about nine. Even then it took me over a year to be able to touch my toes. Eight months into 2023, I can sit and touch my ten toes for about 10 seconds. Gotta keep going to maintain/improve. 💪🏻

[@kind2423]

Life doesn’t stop after 25. Keep exploring, trying new things. You never know

[@ASHERUISE]

I got majorly into figure skating and ballet for a few years when I was 27-30 and then studied Japanese for several years. I quit all them though. 😮‍💨 But it's not like I didn't gain anything from the experience.

[@ezzatisaid]

Love reading this thread!! I started learning Krump (a rather aggressive dance style) at 32. I simply refuse to take on a simpler thing that I have no interest in just because it's more "age-appropriate". Hopefully anyone who needs to see this will. Be mindful, have a realistic expectations and go for what you want to do. Life is too short!! 🔥😬💯

[@FirstNameLastName-wt5to]

Rare to see people trying something new after 25? I tried way more after 25 than before. I don’t know anyone who just stopped living after 25.

[@terrydavis87]

Awesome! Congratulations on the splits! Love the vids! Keep up the great work. :)

[@MW-ob8jm]

That’s very encouraging! Thank you for sharing 🙌

[@blondelp8451]

What an inspiration! Appreciate the sharing.

[@nicksyoutubeaccount]

That's amazing. Well done.

[@livingmybestlife123]

You are so inspiring! Amazing to see your progress and commitment.

[@shreyahundekar3436]

You're amazing ❤️❤️❤️ thanks for this video!

[@clarakw5571]

Omg thank you for this video !

[@VeeBee81]

You Are Amazing! I love watching your challenges!

[@kats4606]

omg this is the motivation I needed! Thank you! And well done on your splits! 😊💖🙌

[@aztecrex8612]

Thanks Laura, so inspiring

[@normanlumhee]

Well done Laura, thanks for sharing this journey!

[@CopperLotus]

Wow! Thank you for this video! ❤

[@P.H.-rq4ij]

Amazing work! I've joined Gymnastics 5 weeks ago at 32 yrs old and its so fun! I've noticed major progress but this video is encouraging me to work on my splits (one of my goals) more often throughout the week! Thank you!

[@midniteillusion3]

Love this. Never too late to take up something new.

[@ElizabethJaxon]

What a massively inspiring story! Thank you so much for documenting and sharing your journey!

[@mahbubhossainshamol9362]

Loved the video. Pure inspiration 🙌

[@michaelhaimov5118]

Thanks for shearing your progress ❤ It helps a lot ❣️

[@JaiCosmos]

Thank you so much! I feel inspired😃

[@Funflmsify]

This is so inspiring, thanks for taking the time to film and edit your progress and then sharing it! :D

[@majasim5910]

So motivational 💪. As usual, enjoyed 🐞! Go girl 💖!

[@Q8Patriot]

Great results, thanks for sharing your experience with us

[@eastmeetswest8371]

This just really invigorated me to get back to my splits practice. Thank you

[@wellroundedmama]

Super proud of you ! Such a great vid !! I have wanted to do the splits for so long .. def gotta get those blocks . Ty ❤

[@MrKaiRamo]

Impressive motivation. Congratulations!

[@bidkarsalazar626]

Your progress video is so motivating. thank you!

[@noglenogle]

Thank you so much for sharing this. I'm 53 and starting today. My motivation now is to correct MY pelvic tilt. Bonus!! Thanks again!

[@chitwatt2504]

You are amazing!

[@feliciaaull]

Hi Laura! I landed on your channel from your 1 year on youtube update! I admire your dedication and consistency, congrats! I've been doing splits on and off for the past couple years and got really consistent in the last 3 months but I think I pushed too hard and my hamstrings have been really hurting but I think I am going to try again and incorporate the contraction and relaxation technique! Thank you!

[@TheGoalisSublime]

I’m so proud of you. I’m 30 and I have never been flexible. I am as stiff as a brick. I’ve been inconsistent with trying to master them but you have inspired me to take it seriously

[@BeyondEducated]

That's awesome! Well done.

[@shanellaj]

I'm 33 and I used to be where you were at week three and I was working on it but I had stopped. And this video made me motivated to go again.

[@ayoubrezzoug6106]

great video and thank you for sharing your journey with us it was so motivated. i hope seeing you doing middle split the next time . good luck 💛❤

[@chalinee_thirasupa]

Very impressive, pure dedication!❤

[@helencheng9216]

I have watched couple of videos about how to split and I found yours is so real and inspiring! I’m on my first week of this process ! Thanks for sharing again

[@SubculturalMoKa]

consistency and fun is key! great result!

[@AlyssaSunshineAngel]

That's cool. I am similar in age and also always wanted to learn. You've inspired me to do some stretches this evening for the first time in a long time 🎉

[@pattiepepper6217]

SMASHING IT!!! Thanks for the inspo!!!💖💖💖💖💖💖

[@funnilinaneyna3743]

Omg thank you for this video! Now i feel like i could do that too! You are such an inspiration!

[@skipperbee]

You seem like such a kind warm person. Thank you for teaching me this!! Was a pleasure

[@aroldfast76]

Thank you for all your advices ! I'm going to try it 🤞

[@RobUK1985]

This is really motivating! I’m starting to learn the splits and this gives me hope that it won’t take me years!

[@kwarkoocoxs2153]

Fantastic!!! It’s great to to see an achieved goal.

[@manuelvela6049]

You are simply awesome. Going to try this because I have always wanted to be able to do this as well. Thanks for the video.

[@VP-yp8ip]

Amazing process you’ve done. I will follow your steps.

[@Umeboshi12]

Thank you for sharing your journey! Everything that you've shared resonates with what I'm looking to help aid/ alleviate. Gonna put this to practice! 🙏🏽

[@ehvway]

Very inspiring ma'am! Thank you for sharing!

[@byronwilliams7977]

great video as always !

[@venuskidd]

Thank you for sharing this 💗

[@moonbabemarie]

this is the best video on learning the splits i've ever seen. in less than 2 months at that. i'm so motivated and inspired. ty!

[@francais2902]

You've inspired me, Im gonna do it, thank you

[@brooklynforever1990]

You inspired me. My hip flexors have always been tight and my running has been limited but this video came right on time!

[@JohnSmith-xk5pj]

That was so great ! thank you, I learned a lot, you explain very well and give valuable tips, it's great to see your progress, and it's very relatable so it motivates me to try too !

[@Saidwhatisaid007]

Listen… your video is truly inspiring to me. Thank you for sharing your split journey! Blessings to you!!!

[@sarahwoods1990]

Congratulations!!! So ammmmmmaaaazzzing!! So happy for you 💞🎉you're so inspiring

[@dimdude1]

I'd been slacking in my exercises, and you really motivated me to get back in the grove. Keep up the good work!

[@jazztastic9007]

Brilliant video. Now I’m inspired to try.

[@seizetheday9546]

You’re back!🎉👏👏👏🥰❤️

[@olgakozlova4413]

Love it! It’s very inspiring

[@JessKaplan]

That's awesome!! You did it!!

[@kimandreasheroy]

Congratulations!

[@geovargas3097]

Glad to see another video from you. It’s been a while. 😊👍🏼

[@furburgur]

This is my first time seeing you, but at 27 you have motivated me so much! I felt like I was slowing down and you let me know I'm just getting started.

[@talktomefaith]

You look great and have an awesome personality! Thanks for your help🙏🏽❤️

[@Minney-Me]

This was incredibly motivating 😊 Splits can be so hard!

[@icesokar3637]

This channel is the Best Discovery I did today

[@GizelleQuant]

I’ve always wanted to get my split! Thanks for showing your journey. :)

[@codeSurvivor]

I'm gonna do this! thanks for the inspiration! 💪

[@SilenceInTheBliss]

So inspiring! I'm in!

[@arsipelbogac]

Congratulations thank you ❤

[@mirela21d]

OMG you are such an inspiration, liked and subscribed!

[@ArpitGupta-tp1sz]

Hi😊😅

[@ocean_kp]

Love this! Just subscribed to your channel. Im 31 and keen to learn the splits i've wanted to for years and I also have that pelvic tilt so I'm taking this as a sign! Lovely video!

[@airplane_flaps]

Just stumbled upon your channel and watched a few of your videos well done on all the challenges, just had to comment and subscribe due to the Yaks and the fact Kelly popped in with a video, amazing! Now to watch more 🤣

[@chloeplaysacnh]

I’m 22 and I recently decided I wanted to learn the splits. Been stretching for a week and this video was so encouraging!!!

[@carrino15]

Thank you for sharing, i would actually like to try this.

[@ken54525]

this video is a year old and I can't believe I'm only seeing now....very motivational. thank you for sharing!

[@MsSandraya]

Awesome!!! Great job!!!!!!❤️

[@victoriahammond1345]

Thank you sooo much for this! I'm nearly 41 and I've been inspired! ♥ Practice starts now!

[@baileynorval5938]

This was a great example of something simple to improve a tight area that makes a huge impact in every body which sirs, stands and walks! Love it!

[@N_M_46]

Thanks. That was great. I am starting my splits journey today

[@kenny662]

I suffer from anterior pelvic tilt, so watching your video made me start training my front split. Thank you!