[header] How to prevent your legs from getting hurt from the splits [title] Improve flexibility. [step] To prepare your body for this new position, you'll first need to work on improving your flexibility. Try focusing, primarily, on the muscles in your lower body. 
[substeps] Improved flexibility in the hips, quads and hamstrings is the primary goal, as you prepare to do a split. There are many different ways to improve flexibility including yoga and stretching.