Am I Too Old to Become Flexible? The Truth About Improving Flexibility at Any Age
Introduction
Have you ever caught yourself thinking, “I’d love to be more flexible, but I’m just too old for that now”? If so, you’re not alone. A lot of us assume that once we’ve hit a certain age, improving flexibility is out of reach. But this is a complete myth - age is NOT a barrier to becoming more flexible! In fact, whether you’re in your 30s, 50s or 70s, with the right approach you can improve your mobility, reduce stiffness, and feel better in your body!
The key is knowing what actually works (and what doesn’t). That’s exactly what I’m covering in this blog, along with some simple tips to get started. And if you want to get more flexible make sure you sign up to my FREE “Flexibility Made Easy” mini-training is designed to help you unlock flexibility in a way that’s gentle, effective, and enjoyable.
Why Flexibility Declines With Age (and Why It Doesn’t Have To!)
It’s an unfortunate truth that our bodies change as we get older. Muscles and joints can become tighter, and if you don’t actively work on mobility, you can lose range of motion over time. But this has far more to do with your lifestyle than age itself.
Think about it—when you were younger, you naturally moved more. Running around, stretching, bending, playing… all of that kept your body mobile. As we get older, we often sit more and move less, which leads to stiffness.
The good news? This process is reversible! Your body is incredibly adaptable, and with regular stretching and mobility work, you can absolutely regain and maintain flexibility at any stage of life.
The Science of Flexibility – What Really Works
There’s a common misconception that flexibility is all about stretching your muscles as far as possible. In reality, flexibility is a mix of muscle length, joint mobility, and nervous system response. Here’s what really helps:
✅ Gentle, consistent stretching – Flexibility isn’t gained overnight; small, regular flexibility exercises are far more effective than the occasional deep stretch.
✅ Active stretching – Instead of just holding a stretch, adding muscular engagement in the stretch can dramatically improve your flexibility as well as building muscle strength.
✅ Strength and mobility work – Strong muscles support flexible movement. A combination of stretching and strength training works best.
✅ Breathwork and relaxation – The nervous system plays a huge role in flexibility. If your body feels safe and relaxed, it will naturally allow for greater mobility.
Common Mistakes That Prevent Flexibility Gains
If you’ve ever tried to improve your flexibility and felt stuck, these common mistakes might be to blame:
❌ Overstretching or pushing too hard – If a stretch is painful, your body will resist rather than relax. Gentle is better!
❌ Inconsistency – Doing one deep stretch session a week won’t bring lasting results. A few minutes 3-4 times a week is far more effective.
❌ Ignoring strength and mobility – Flexibility isn’t just about stretching; it’s about functional movement. You want to work your muscles in their full range of motion to help build both strength and length.
❌ Skipping warm-ups and cooldowns – Cold muscles are more resistant to stretching. Start with gentle movement to warm up first, a yoga sun salutation can be a great way to warm up the body before you stretch.
A Simple, Effective Way to Become More Flexible With Yoga
Ready to start feeling looser and more mobile? Here’s a mini flexibility routine to try:
Downward Dog On A Chair Or Wall
A great alternative to the full pose, stretching the hamstrings and shoulders gently.
Place your hands on the chair and walk back until you find a spinal stretch - keep the knees bent and then gently push the bum up and back. If using a wall place the hands at shoulder height and step back until your body forms an “L” shape. Keep your arms straight and your back flat.
2. Seated Hamstring Stretch
Targets the backs of the legs and lower back.
Sit on the floor with one leg extended straight and the other bent, with your foot resting against your inner thigh. Reach towards the extended leg, keeping your back straight.
3. Reclining Pigeon Pose
Opens tight hips gently.
Lie on your back, cross one ankle over the opposite knee, press away with the hip to feel a gentle opening. If it feels ok with the hip lift up the bottom foot and place your hands around the back of the thigh or front of the shin to pull the supporting leg towards your chest.
Do this daily, breathe deeply, and notice how your body responds over time. And if you’re ready for a guided, step-by-step approach, my “Flexibility Made Easy” mini-training will walk you through simple movements that make flexibility effortless.
Conclusion: It’s Never Too Late to Start!
Flexibility isn’t reserved for the young or naturally bendy—it’s something you can cultivate at any age with the right approach. Whether you want to move more freely, reduce stiffness, or simply feel better in your body, small daily actions will lead to big changes over time.
So, why not start today? Join me inside “Flexibility Made Easy” and discover just how simple (and enjoyable!) it can be to improve your flexibility, no matter your age. Let’s get moving! 🚀
