High Straddle Sit

[jamesters]

Is there a video of someone performing a high straddle sit? I've seen the picture of it in Building The Gymnastic Body of course, but a video would be nice. It doesn't seem like there's a distinct line between a standard straddle sit and a high straddle sit. Some people have higher straddle sits than others.

I have an exercise I do that I think helps get straddle sit higher where I bend my knees, try to get my elbows as far under me as I can then straighten my arms and legs, the legs partially rest on the elbows but it still works the muscles pretty well. Other than that, are there any other exercises that can help get the straddle sit higher? I'm thinking a lot of it is flexibility, right?

[Jason Stein]

James,

If you've got Coach Sommer's book, he presents an intelligent and, more importantly, effective progressive series of exercises that will improve your straddle sit.

I think we were discussing this with L-sit-press to handstand, but I've found both require a great amount of active flexibility and strength in hamstrings and hip flexors. So any exercises you could do in that area would prove helpful.

best,

jason

[Blairbob]

Sit in a straddle and lift your heels off the ground with pointed toes. Lift as high as you can with your hands in front of your crotch. Hold for time or do reps. Try to lean over your hands. Same can be done in sitting pike.