Are Splits Painful?

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.

Does doing a split hurt?

Beyond the momentary pain caused by forcing the body to do activity it isn't ready for, athletes can hurt themselves attempting to put their bodies into supraphysiologic positions – like the splits. Muscles, hamstrings, and joints are all involved, and could be at risk for injury.

Why does it hurt when doing the splits?

“You're pushing your body to the limits of what it's used to doing when you're stretching.” Stretch tip: Just like when you strength train, you're creating tiny tears in the muscle fibers when you stretch deeply, which is why you're sore, says Sheppard.