Why do we want to practice the splits? What has it got to do with health and selfcare?
Well Practicing the splits is great for your joint health, flexibility, and your balance. These qualities become so important as we age. All of these things factor into how much range of motion we retain, our physical independence, and overall quality of life. Plus it looks pretty cool, right?
Even if you are not flexible or have no desire to do yoga or achieve your splits, doing these poses daily is going to help with your mobility, help deepen your body awareness and can help strengthen your muscles.
So what are these poses?
Low Lunge – Use blocks to lengthen through your spine (don’t round the back) and sink into the hips until you feel a stretch. Hold for 30-60 Seconds
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.lakorayoga.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/low-lunge.png?resize=287%2C287&ssl=1)
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.lakorayoga.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/quad-stretch.png?resize=280%2C343&ssl=1)
Quad Stretch – From the low lunge, bend the back leg up and grab your foot with your hand, bring your foot towards your bum, until you feel a stretch and hold for 30 – 60 seconds.
Hamstring Stretch – Lower your back foot down and then straighten your front leg, lean over the leg with length in your spine, you can use blocks under your hands for some extra height. Hold for 30 – 60 seconds.
![](https://i0.wp.com/www.lakorayoga.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/hamstring-stretch.png?resize=272%2C260&ssl=1)
Do these poses once a day morning or evening and you will feel a difference in your mobility and health.
Check out a video of this poses here –
You can find out more about flexibility and the different ways the body moves in my program – The Mindful Stretch Program @ https://www.lakorayoga.com/2938-2/