Hip position for front splits? Various other questions about my front split

[liero]

Hey guys. I was working on my front split with a partner today and we were lowering our weight in using 2 chairs, one on either side, I just have a few questions and would appreciate input from anyone...thanks

1)
My first question was whether to open up the hips so they are not completly front on, Or should I isolate the muscles by making sure my hips completly face the direction my front leg is facing.

2)
Additionally I'm still less than 15 cm from fully sitting in at max strech. any suggestions to push past this plateau?

3)
Finally. how should I point my back foot when I am in the stretch, putting the foot sideways aka like a side kick, or pointing it straight down and resting on my instep?

Mostly I'm concerned that one or the other is going to hurt my knee while I rest with that much pressure on it, I'm assuming if I could sit in the stretch then it would be whichever is comfortable, which points me in the direction of how to achieve question 3.

4)
I'm much better at doing front than side splits. Is there any carryover or do they work different muscle groups?

[Van Zandt]

1)My first question was whether to open up the hips so they are not completly front on, Or should I isolate the muscles by making sure my hips completly face the direction my front leg is facing.

Use whatever position grants you the greatest increase but doesn't cause pain.

2)Additionally I'm still less than 15 cm from fully sitting in at max strech. any suggestions to push past this plateau?

Isometric stretches.

3) How should I point my back foot when I am in the stretch...?

Depends on which you find easier. 'Foot sideways' is more specific to kicking.

Mostly I'm concerned that one or the other is going to hurt my knee while I rest with that much pressure on it

Put a pillow under your knee.

4) I'm much better at doing front than side splits. Is there any carryover or do they work different muscle groups?

Some, but it is minimal at most.

[liero]

Thanks once again VZ! your a righteous fellow!

[Van Zandt]

Heh, thanks friend. But I think I'm too much of a sinner to be righteous :evil:

Post again if you have any further questions :cool:

[zcrowley]

This is very good information. I had these questions myself.

Regards,
Zack