This
month I decided to work on flexibility. I wanted to attempt the
splits over the course of a few days, and whilst sat with my legs out
and open in front of me. I also wanted to get some reading done. I
picked out the smallest book out of a pile of unread books: On Her
Majesty's Secret Service, a James Bond novel by Ian Fleming.
I've
read a couple of Bond books, so I knew what I was in for. And I've
seen the dodgy movie adaptation starring the forgettable George
Lazenby.
More of
the same from Fleming: a professional killer, heartless and
chauvinist, tries to look after a beautiful but reckless young woman
under orders of her gangster father. She leads him to a criminal
mastermind who threatens the world. It's an entertaining read,
though, and more believable than a few others. It's also the book in
which we see Bond's icy persona- unlike the backdrop of the
wintertime Alps- start to melt.
To do
this project properly, you will need a doorway with enough wall space
on either side of it to place your feet. Sit with your knees straight
and feet apart, point your thumbs down and grip on to the door frame.
You'll also need a cushion under your backside unless you have an
incredibly thick, soft carpet. Wear socks so your feet slide against
the gloss of the skirting board. Butt-scoot in as your flexibility
increases.
I
started at 150cm (4'11) between my heels- the exact distance that I
ended up with the last time I attempted the splits.
This time I stretched to 158cm (5'2) at the peak of my ability. This
was maybe half way through the book. So. If I can stretch 8cm every
250 pages (the length of On Her Majesty's Secret Service), reading
another book the same size would give me- in theory- the extra 8cm (3
inches) I need to do the splits fully. But only if I continue
practicing with no break...
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