Sept Goals - Session 3
Middle Splits Challenge
I didn't get to start the training session until after I had started the work day.
I had a little break at work while waiting for a task resolution and decided to use the period to complete the task.
The Training
I started with my usual warm-up drills:
- Favorite drills
- Straddle leg lifts
- Lying down butterfly pose
- Standing hamstring stretch
- Lifting inner thigh stretch (same as in the below video, but with the leg lifted):
I didn't want to spend too much time stretching (as I've discovered that spending too much time in warm-ups is usually an indication that I'm dreading the actual session); so, I wrapped up the warm-ups quickly and got into the session.
The Experience
First set was 60 seconds long as I eased into the position.
By the beginning of the 2nd set (also 60 seconds long), I had reached my normal stretch range.
3rd set through the 6th were 90 seconds each and while I felt an increase in the stretch range, my legs felt stronger in the pose as I wasn't wobbling as I used to.
I was flexing and contracting the muscles as I worked on my strength in that range.
After the 6th set, I took a 2-min rest (60-second rest was taken for all the other sets) before starting the 7th and final set.
7th set was supposed to last for 60 seconds, but I spent 90 seconds on it, strengthening the muscles through flexing and contracting.
Took a 2-min rest after the 7th set and started the front splits training.
On the front splits, each leg was stretched for 45 seconds, with 30 seconds rests in between.
Informal Sessions
Again, I try to do horse stance where possible as I'm aware that the stronger those muscles are, the easier it will be to accomplish the splits.
I also engage in butterfly poses when sitting down.
I'm committed to accomplishing this goal, hopefully sooner than later.
See you next time!