take all of the weight out of your hands. Straddle Splits 1 Stand with your feet in a wide straddle and your hips facing forward. 2 Lean forward from the waist, keeping your legs straight, and place your hands on the floor in front of your body. Hold as much of your weight as you can in your hands. 3 Turn your feet so the insides of your shoes are flush with the floor and slide both feet out, lowering your hips as close to the floor as possible. Hold for 30 to 60 seconds. 4 Practice regularly and each time try to lower your hips further until they are able to touch the floor and support your weight. Stretches for the Splits 1 Lie on the floor with your bottom against the wall and your legs extended straight up the wall. Allow your legs to slowly separate and lower toward the ground, creating a wide straddle; if necessary, use your hands to pull your legs into a wide straddle. Once your legs have opened as far as they can without pain, hold the stretch for 30 to 60 seconds before returning to the starting position. Repeat this stretch three to four times, each time pushing your legs further. 2 Stand with your feet together and back straight. Step backward on your right foot and bend your left knee, taking care to keep it above your foot. Hop your right foot backward as needed to create a deep lunge. Press