There are a lot of stretches that could increase your flexibility, such as butterfly stretches, lunges, standing forward bend, sitting forward bend, touching toes, pyramid stretches, lizard poses, and pigeon stretches. Try to hold each of those stretches for 25 to 40 seconds each. It’s much easier to do the splits if your body is warmed up.
Distract yourself by watching T. V. while stretching, or just do anything you feel is going to distract you from the pain.
You also have to support yourself with your hands to avoid falling and injuring yourself. It helps to set up chairs on either side as you start the split. That way, you can lean your elbows on them if you get to a point where the stretch is too intense.
