A split is a human body configuration in which the legs are parallel to each other and extended in opposite directions. Splits are performed in various athletic activities, including dance, figure skating, gymnastics, martial arts, contortionism, synchronized swimming, and yoga. A person who has assumed a split position is said to be "in a split" or "doing the splits".^[1]

When executing a split, the lines defined by the inner thighs of the legs form an unusually large, 180 degree angle. This large angle significantly stretches, and thus mandates excellent flexibility of, the hamstring and iliopsoas muscles. Consequently, splits are often used as a stretching exercise to warm up and enhance the flexibility of leg muscles.

[edit] Variations

There are two general forms of splits:

• Side splits are executed by extending the legs to the left and right of the torso. Side splits are called straddle splits in dance and yoga, and may be referred to as Chinese splits in martial arts. Other names for side splits are box splits and center splits.
• Front splits are executed by extending one leg forward of, and the other leg to the rear of the torso. In dance, a front split is named according to the leg that is extended forward (e.g., the right leg is extended forward when executing a right split).

There are many variations of form and performance of splits, including:

• Oversplit, in which the angle between the legs exceeds 180 degrees.
• Suspended split, in which the body is static and supported only by the feet.
• A split leap or split jump is a split that is executed after leaping or jumping, respectively, while still in the air.
• Vertical split, in which the leg lines are oriented vertically.
• Twisting splits are performed by transitioning from front split to side split, and then to the opposite front split.

An acro dancer performing a straddle split leap.

A standing split during a figure skating spin.

An oversplit.

[edit] Popular culture

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 in slapstick comedy, schadenfreude, and other forms of entertainment.

Actor Jean-Claude Van Damme is known for his ability to do suspended splits. Professional wrestler Rob Van Dam invented the "Van Dam lift", in which he lifted weights while in a suspended split; other professional wrestlers, such as Melina Perez, have helped to popularize this stunt. Pussycat Dolls member Kimberly Wyatt and former member Carmit Bachar are notable for their standing oversplits. Model Karen McDougal is notable for her straddle split.

[edit] References

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