Splits

While there are muscles affecting this action, a substantial proportion of the effect involves stretching the associated connective tissues.

Connective tissues - such as ligaments - do not stretch easily - and are difficult to stretch correctly. Go very gently. You have significant leverage here, and connective tissue does not take vigorous stretching at all kindly.

Do not be discouraged by apparent lack of progress. It is better to go too slowly than too rapidly here.

Splits are often done against a surface - frequently the upper surface of the thigh.

Front splits, trailing finger forwards

Front splits, leading finger forwards

Side splits

Notes

• The poses on this page can all be repeated for each pair of consecutive fingers.

• Combinations of finger splits are possible - with fingers alternating forwards and backwards. However there are too many combinations to enumerate here.

• Like many other digit poses, finger splits can usefully be performed at different angles - as well as forwards and sideways as illustrated here.