Asplit (commonly referred to assplits orthe splits) is a physical position in which the legs are in line with each other and extended in opposite directions. Splits are commonly performed in various athletic activities, includingdance,figure skating,gymnastics,contortionism,synchronized swimming,cheerleading,martial arts, aerial arts andyoga as exercise, where a front split is namedHanumanasana and a side split is namedSamakonasana. A person who has assumed a split position is said to be "in a split", or "doing the splits",[1] or "doing a split" (this form is especially encountered in theEastern United States).[2]
When executing a split, the lines defined by the inner thighs of the legs form an angle of approximately 180 degrees. This large angle significantly stretches, and thus demonstrates excellent flexibility of, thehamstring andiliopsoas muscles. Consequently, splits are often used as a stretching exercise to warm up and enhance the flexibility of leg muscles. A split that goes beyond 180° is called an oversplit.
There are two general forms of splits:
There are many variations of form and performance of splits, including:
A common problem encountered during a side split is pain in the hip joints. Usually, the reason for this is that the split is being performed improperly (the pelvis may need to be tilted forward). Another common problem encountered during splits (both front and side) is pain in the knees.[5]
Many people lack the flexibility required to execute a split and thus regard splits to be uncomfortable or even painful. Because of this widespread view, splits appear inslapstick comedy,schadenfreude, and other forms of entertainment.
ActorJean-Claude Van Damme performed a split between two moving trucks in aVolvo advertisement titledThe Epic Split.
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