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Original poster

Anyone managed to improve their flexibility massively in their 50s?

8 replies

Whippet · 24/05/2022 13:22

I used to be pretty fit in my 20s/30s but I've never been very flexible. However after a bit of a hiatus I did a stretch/yoga type class online today and OMG I am SO inflexible I could have cried (couldn't touch the floor from standing etc).

Have I left it too late, or is it possible to regain flexibility in your (late) 50s?
What's best - yoga/ pilates? I also seem to have poor balance now too, which I know is a MASSIVE red flag for later health problems.
Am not (quite) overweight, although could do with losing about 12lbs.

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PerseverancePays · 26/05/2022 17:51

You are never too old to start yoga or pilates! Ana in the first Sewing Bee was 81 and there's a picture of her hanging upside down in her yoga class. She always held herself so well too. Inspirational. 50s is fine to take it up.

Mumski45 · 26/05/2022 17:29

I'm in my early 50's. Last year I had major back issues which have been sorted out by physio and exercises at home prescribed by the physio. I am now the most flexible I have ever been after following my routine religiously every day (almost)

GoodThinkingMax · 26/05/2022 17:24

Yes, of course. Yoga is great for this.

Years of sitting down at a desk job can tighten up your hip flexors and so on. See if you can incorporate some gentle stretches into a daily routine.

Redcrayons · 24/05/2022 15:22

Also Yoga and also Yoga with Adriene.

I’ve fallen off the wagon a little bit lately, but when I’m doing it 3/4 times a week I feel great.

easyday · 24/05/2022 15:21

Yoga for flexibility and pilates for core strength, though you will improve on both with either.

Scottishflower65 · 24/05/2022 15:05

Yes, started yoga at 55, a couple of years ago, and very flexible now. Even manage a short crow (arm balance) now and can hold a leg balance for ages. Key is consistent practice. Don’t be intimidated in a class either. I was by far the worst when I first started but now thinking about becoming a yoga teacher.

EmmaStone · 24/05/2022 14:17

Still in my 40s, but yes, I see a massive difference with yoga (and when I've had a break from it!).

I do Yoga With Adriene's 30 day programmes (free) every January, and by the end of the month, can't believe the difference. However, it's a case of use it or lose it, I'm afraid, and going back to my once a week yoga class isn't really quite enough (but helps - my balance is excellent at least!).

I think if I managed yoga 2-3 times a week it would be fantastic for my flexibility.

Fuzzyheid · 24/05/2022 13:25

Yes, with yoga. I'm recovering from a frozen shoulder so have only just returned to it but I feel a difference after just 5 sessions (online class).

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