Front Split Variations in the (Turned out or Open) Front Split

Front Split Variations

Front Split Variations: The Open Front Split may not be as pretty as a Squared Front Split or a Side Split, but it sure gets work done.

Called by another name a Turned Out Front Split, is an important foundation for many disciplines such as DanceMartial Arts, and Figure Skating. Various techniques in these and other sports and disciplines can benefit greatly from this Split.

However an Open Front Split is really two splits. One resembling more of a Side Split and the other more of a True (Squared) Front Split.
Front Split VariationsThe Open Front Split may not be as pretty as a Squared Front Split or a Side Split, but it sure gets work done.

Called by another name a Turned Out Front Split, is an important foundation for many disciplines such as DanceMartial Arts, and Figure Skating. Various techniques in these and other sports and disciplines can benefit greatly from this Split.

However an Open Front Split is really two splits. One resembling more of a Side Split and the other more of a True (Squared) Front Split.

Can you Spot the difference?

1. For example a dancer performing a penche actually finds herself in a something resembling a True Front Split, with a rear leg turned out.

dancer performing a penche
martial artist

2. While a martial artist is in a Side Split with one leg turned in.

So what difference does this make? Well, in the two cases stated above different muscles are lengthened. Think about it. Having to turn a hip out vs having to turn the hip in. Further more, not only different muscles are lengthened, different muscles are contracted to move into and keep the position.

dancer is lengthening the medial rotators (Adductors, Pectineus, TFL) and contracting the lateral rotators (Gluteus Maximus, Deep Six) . While a martial artist is lengthening lateral rotator of the hip (In the given position, Quadratus Femoris is under most stretch) and tensing medial rotators (Gluteus Medius and Minimus and Tensor Fascia Latae).

Front Split Variations

So while the two Open Front Splits look the same, they are not. This is evident by the fact that a Dancer’s side kick looking like Penche and Martial Artist Penche Looking Like a Side Kick on first attempt.

So while a True Front Split and Side Split look cool. It’s often the Open Front Split that get’s the work done. Depending on what you are doing of course…

Let us show you how to achieve an Open Front Split Fast, Safe and Easy!

Our programs are scientifically based and created by a world-renowned fitness & flexibility expert Paul Zaichik

This COMBO contains 3 levels (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced). Each program contains 3 videos (9 total in this package) focusing on:

  • Mobility exercises for each joint, to keep your joints healthy and lubricated.
  • Specific warmup exercises to gradually prepare your body for a split.
  • Zaichik Stretching Techniques for each muscle involved in a split, so that your flexibility improves right away without pain.
  • Extended Length Conditioning exercises, so that you not only become flexible but strong as well.
  • Reciprocal Inhibition, plus Movement and Habituation Techniques, for functional flexibility.
  • Front Split Variations

Get your Open Front Splits Combo below:

Front Split Variations
Front Split Variations

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