I really want to be able to do the splits and just be more flexible all over. I know I am capable, or at least I was when I was like 7 but I've been trying, doing stretches for about 2 weeks now and I am no more flexible than when I started. I'm actually even less flexible because my muscles hurt and are too sore.

I may have overdone it but not by too much. I stretched until it hurt (I have a high pain tolerance) but it wasn't excruciating, it was fine enough to hold for 40 seconds. I thought your muscles were supposed to hurt a little bit but other people are saying no, it's supposed to be relaxing/comfortable/ like a light pull.

How exactly am I supposed to get more flexible? Should I push myself (let it hurt a little) or should it be only a slight pull that doesn't hurt at all? & what if my muscles are sore, can I still do stretches or do I need to wait for them to heal?

This is frustrating, I will keep it up but this patience thing is blarhg...not very fun.

Soreness is caused by tearing the muscle and the muscle being in a healing phase.

The reason your flexibility is struggling is that you are trying to force your body into positions that it feels are "unsafe" or "insecure."

The best way to stretch (as someone else said) is when you are warm, and after a good bit of activity. About a 10-15 minute warm up, then stretch.

When you reach the point you can no longer stretch further, squeeze the muscles you are stretching for about 5-10 seconds. It will hurt. Possibly bad. It's ok. After a 10 second count, relax. You will move further into the stretch and your muscles will freak out on you again and tighten up.

Do this 3-5 times, holding the stretch for about 20-30 seconds (so the whole process takes about 2-5 minutes depending on how long you hold).

Building flexibility takes time. Keep at it!

Good luck!

Since stretching builds muscle, being a little sore is okay. Flexibility takes time but basic stretches like touching your toes aren't always the best, try yoga it's good for you and will help a lot. I know youtube has many great yoga videos or even try signing up for a yoga class, they're so relaxing!

Rule 1- don't stretch when your muscles are cold. They will defensively tighten back up. Do some exercise, and when they are warmed up, then do your stretching.

Get a job as a stripper. When you have to work your booty for $$ you'll get very flexible.