Different aspects of leg flexibility

[Simon.]

Didn't know what other title I should give this thread so erm.. :/
Anyway, yesterday I truely understood how awesome the deadlift is. Excluding the huge ego boost I was getting from using 45lb plates for the first time in my life, I disovered it works wonders for your flexibility.
For the first time since I was 13 I managed to grab my toes with legs completely straight, ahh what a great feeling!
So, on to my next goal: Being able to do a full side split again!
I was thinking and the only idea I came up with for improving flexibility in that area was very deep sumo stance squats...
Can any of you guys suggest an exercise that will improve flexibility as rapidly as the deadlift does?
Oh and if I already opened a thread I might as well add another leg-related question: How can I improve strength in the muscles that raise the leg to the side? Only thing I can think are the obvious side leg-raises :/
Thanks everyone

[Simon.]

bump

[Jean-Paul]

Can any of you guys suggest an exercise that will improve flexibility as rapidly as the deadlift does?

If properly done, Zercher squats are pretty good for increasing flexibility.

[Chris Correia]

Originally posted by Simon Glumcher:
Didn't know what other title I should give this thread so erm.. :/
Anyway, yesterday I truely understood how awesome the deadlift is. Excluding the huge ego boost I was getting from using 45lb plates for the first time in my life, I disovered it works wonders for your flexibility.
For the first time since I was 13 I managed to grab my toes with legs completely straight, ahh what a great feeling!
So, on to my next goal: Being able to do a full side split again!
I was thinking and the only idea I came up with for improving flexibility in that area was very deep sumo stance squats...
Can any of you guys suggest an exercise that will improve flexibility as rapidly as the deadlift does?
Oh and if I already opened a thread I might as well add another leg-related question: How can I improve strength in the muscles that raise the leg to the side? Only thing I can think are the obvious side leg-raises :/
Thanks everyone

I notice my general leg work seems to help by "side lift" (abduction). I believe there is also a fair amount of abdominal action involved. I just follow a balanced routine and everything seems to improve.