Yes, you can become flexible at any age. However, flexibility is a very difficult skill to acquire. It takes a lot of time and commitment. This is also a skill that becomes more difficult as you get older. This is because the body grows more inflexible and stiff every year.
However, it is not impossible to become flexible at any age. The key is commitment. Keep reading to learn more about what is possible for flexibility and what you can do to improve your flexibility.
Why Is It More Difficult to Become Flexible at Old Age?
It is more difficult to become flexible in old age due to the natural aging process we experience. The reason has a lot to do with the natural deterioration of muscle and tissue in the body.
As we get older, our muscles lose elasticity very quickly. As a result, our joints also become much stiffer, and our spinal discs lose their ability to hold water, leading to less flexibility. So overall, we just get more rigid.
This deterioration and loss of ability usually begin around 30 or 40 years of age. Men usually deteriorate faster than women on average.
How to Practice Becoming Flexible?
Yoga, pilates, or swimming are good options to practice becoming flexible. Becoming flexible when you have little experience is widely the same across all age groups. If you are on the older end, swimming might be the best place to start.
Swimming is a difficult sport, but it can be excellent for older people if you start lightly. The water supports the muscles and helps build them without too much strain. This muscle strengthening also allows the body to relax and gradually increase flexibility.
Yoga and pilates are more traditional ways of strengthening flexibility. Both practices are built and designed for all ability levels and age groups.
Pilates itself was actually designed to help lengthen the life of older people. The theory was that strength and flexibility, especially in the spine, could help lengthen one’s life by boosting your health. It is low-impact, similar to swimming as well.
How Often Should You Practice?
You should practice most exercises about 2 to 3 times a week, if not more. It is within the limitations of many working people. It also allows time for the body to heal between sessions.
However, practicing as much as five days a week is also healthy for the body. It depends on your abilities and how in tune you are with your body. You do not want to push yourself too far in your practice if you cannot recognize when your body needs a break.
Light movement should, of course, occur every day to prevent stiffness. While this can be more difficult for older people, try to move a little every day.
Can You Learn to do the Splits after Turning 40?
Yes, you can learn to do the splits after turning 40. However, learning to do the splits is possible at any age, even older ages, even though it might be more difficult. While the body does become stiffer as you get older, it is always possible.
The key to flexibility is consistency. Especially as you get older, flexibility is more difficult to achieve, so staying on top of your practice is very important. Move a little bit every day.
Try to stick with your choice of exercise or practice at least 2 to 3 times per week. Of course, a healthy diet and mental state go a long way as well.
Can an Inflexible Person become Flexible?
Yes, inflexible people can become flexible. Most people are naturally not very flexible. Doing things like the splits is not built into our bodies. Flexibility is a skill just like any other. It must be practiced in order to become good at it.
Everybody is different, however. It will take a different amount of time for each person, and different practices work better for some people when it comes to flexibility. So do not lose hope about your flexibility.
Final Thoughts on Can You Become Flexible At Any Age
Flexibility is extremely difficult. It is not a simple or easy journey, especially at an older age. It can be painful or frustrating no matter your age, especially when you are older because your body seems to be fighting against you.
Do not be discouraged by this. While it may seem more difficult, your body is just as capable as any other. With time and commitment, you, too, can gain the flexibility you want. So take time with this journey and be patient with yourself as well as your body.