Chebyjane stood in the center of her bright, airy studio, sunlight streaming through the windows like golden ribbons across the floor. This was her sanctuary — a place where movement became meditation, and stretching was not just exercise but a beautiful conversation with the body. Today’s session was one she had been planning carefully, something she knew her audience had been requesting again and again:
Stretching for Front and Side Splits.
With her calm smile and long ponytail brushing gently against her shoulders, Chebyjane welcomed everyone tuning in, whether they were beginners or seasoned practitioners working toward deeper flexibility. “Splits are not about forcing the body,” she began. “They’re about inviting it to open — with patience, warmth, and love.”
And with that, the journey into the world of front and side splits began.
Warming Up the Body
Chebyjane always emphasized the importance of waking up the muscles before any deep stretch. Cold stretching was a mistake she warned everyone to avoid.
She started with gentle movement:
- Knee lifts
- Hip circles
- Light jogging in place
- Then slow, rhythmic breathing to center the mind
As she moved, she explained, “Flexibility starts here — in the warm, softening of the muscles. Think of this as the sunrise of your practice.”
Her voice carried a softness that made every motion feel accessible.
Step 1: Lengthening the Hamstrings for Front Splits
Chebyjane sat on her mat with one leg extended and the other bent, leaning gently forward. Her spine stayed long, her breath steady.
“Front splits rely heavily on open hamstrings,” she said as she folded deeper. “Don’t push. Let gravity do the work.”
She guided her viewers through a series of supported stretches:
1. Seated Hamstring Stretch
Hold for 30–60 seconds on each side.
“Imagine the back of your leg melting like warm butter,” she encouraged.
2. Standing Forward Fold
Soft knees, relaxed neck.
“Feel the spine unwind.”
3. Half Splits Pose (Ardha Hanumanasana)
This pose became a favorite for her followers. Chebyjane made it look graceful and peaceful, even though the stretch was quite intense.
“Flex the foot, then point it,” she coached. “Wake up every fiber.”
With each movement, she explained not just the how, but the why. Flexibility is mindful. Flexibility is emotional. Flexibility is a dialogue between strength and softness.
Step 2: Opening the Hip Flexors
Front splits demand not only hamstring length from the front leg but also open hip flexors in the back leg. Chebyjane demonstrated a deep lunge, the sunlight glowing around her like a soft halo.
1. Low Lunge (Anjaneyasana)
Exhale as the hips sink.
“Send your breath into the tight places,” she said, placing a hand on her hip.
2. Quad Stretch with Back Leg Bent
She used a block to steady herself, reaching back for her foot.
“You might feel fire here. That fire is transformation.”
3. Crescent Lunge with Arm Lift
This pose elongated her entire front body.
“Think of length,” she whispered. “Not just depth.”
As she spoke, her viewers felt soothed, guided, and supported — like a friend walking them through each sensation.
Step 3: Entering the Front Splits Safely
Once the body felt warm and stretched, Chebyjane transitioned gracefully into preparing for the full front split.
She aligned her hips squarely.
“This is key,” she reminded. “Don’t let the hip twist open. Keep the body honest.”
Support Options:
- Yoga blocks under both hands
- A folded blanket under the front heel
- Pillows beneath the thigh for comfort
She slid forward slowly, inch by inch, her movements deliberate and mindful. When she reached her full split, it looked like poetry — but she emphasized repeatedly that this level of flexibility took years.
“Don’t compare your Day 1 to someone else’s Day 1000,” she said warmly. “Just keep showing up.”
She held the pose, breathing deeply, allowing the body to soften.
Side Splits: The Queen of Hip Openers
Front splits require patience.
But side splits, also known as middle splits, require courage.
Chebyjane transitioned smoothly to the next phase of the session. She stood tall, feet wide apart, inhaling with purpose. “Side splits aren’t only about flexibility,” she explained. “They’re about trusting your body.”
Step 4: Inner Thigh and Hip Opening
She guided her viewers through her signature sequence:
1. Wide-Leg Forward Fold
With her hands reaching toward the floor, she let her entire upper body relax.
“This stretch tells your inner thighs, ‘It’s time to open.’”
2. Lateral Lunges (Skandasana)
Her movements looked like slow dance steps.
“Shift your weight gently. Avoid bouncing — stay smooth.”
3. Butterfly Pose
She flapped her legs playfully, laughing.
“Sometimes you need to bring fun back into the body.”
4. Frog Pose
A deep, demanding stretch that brought intensity.
“Remember: intensity does not equal pain,” she reminded.
The studio was silent except for her calm instructions and the soft music playing in the background.
Step 5: Sliding into the Side Splits
When she felt the group was ready, she knelt on her mat, legs wide, hands pressing into the floor.
“Go slow,” she emphasized. “Feel every millimeter.”
She moved her legs outward gradually until she was in a beautiful, flat middle split. Her posture was tall, her core strong.
“If you’re just beginning,” she added, “use pillows under your thighs. There is no rush. Flexibility is a journey that rewards the patient.”
She held the position, her breath flowing like water.
Cooling Down and Loving the Body
Chebyjane finished the session with gentle stretches:
- Hip circles
- Soft twists
- A comforting child’s pose
- And a long, nourishing savasana
Lying still, she spoke softly:
“What you did today is not easy. Celebrate your effort. Celebrate your breath. Celebrate that you showed up.”
Her voice wrapped around everyone like a warm blanket.
The Chebyjane Philosophy
By the end of the practice, one thing was clear: Chebyjane does not simply teach stretching — she teaches connection.
Her approach to front and side splits was rooted in:
✨ Mindfulness
✨ Consistency
✨ Patience
✨ Listening to the body
✨ Loving yourself through the journey
“Splits aren’t a goal,” she always said. “They’re a story your body writes one day at a time.”
And with her guidance, thousands of people have discovered the beauty of that story — the softness, the challenge, the transformation, and the quiet victory in every inch of progress.
Because in Chebyjane’s world, stretching is not just an exercise.
It is a celebration of growth, grace, and strength.
