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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To wonder why I can't touch my toes?

69 replies

Leafylow · 30/04/2019 21:56

I have never been able to, even as a child. I could flip straight back into a crab and all manner of other stretches, but I could never touch my toes. I still can't at 30.

I've been doing Pilates and yoga since Christmas, and though I've never been very sporty I've always tried to do some exercise so I'm not hugely unfit or out of shape, but I cannot get my fingers even to my ankles. Other people who do no exercise or stretches can do it easily. Is it something that some people just physically can't do? And if so, why? Or do I need to just keep trying?

OP posts:

Foxyloxy1plus1 · 01/05/2019 14:48

Definitely to do with tight hamstrings.

We’re all different and we can all do different things. I can’t touch my toes, but I can squat right to the ground (and get up again).

I struggle with standing on one leg too. One more than the other.

Jackfruit · 01/05/2019 14:48

I sit cross legged all the time, even on chairs. It’s just so comfortable.

I can touch my toes, and the floor. Used to gymnastics as a child so maybe that’s why.

Try stretching your arms straight up above your head, stretch your body then bend at the hip rather than waist.

BagofTeeth · 01/05/2019 18:43

I managed it last week for the first time in about 30 years. Took 6 months of Pilates (started off at once a week but now 3-4 times a week depending on schedule) before I managed it. I'm on the larger side too but I do have longer arms and shorter legs, hopefully once I lose more weight than I already have it'll be even easier for me. As others have said, it's about going from the hips instead of the waist and if you have tight hamstrings it won't help. If you do spinal rolls and let your body relax down properly every time you breathe you'll hopefully find you get closer and closer to the ground, that's how I managed it finally.

JudgeRindersMinder · 01/05/2019 18:46

Short/tight hamstrings can stop you touching your toes. It’s my never ending source of delight that my very sporty 16 year old ds can’t touch his whilst at 48 and v overweight, I can almost lay my palms flat on the floor

MidsomerBurgers · 01/05/2019 18:56

Never been able to touch my toes. I can reach down sideways though and do it that way. I think I bend in the wrong place.

How do you bend your hips rather than your back? I don't get it....

tor8181 · 01/05/2019 18:57

ive never been able to but im 5ft 10, 17 stone odd with J/K cup boobs so ive got no chance

foreverhanging · 01/05/2019 18:58

@VanessaShanessaJenkins oh my god I did it ?!

dudsville · 01/05/2019 19:01

For those who don't/didn't know to bend at the hips... how were you trying to do it? I just tried to not bend at my hips and couldn't fathom it.

ineedtostopbeingsolazy · 01/05/2019 19:26

I'm the most unfit person on the planet but i have hypermobility so can do all sorts that a lot of other people cannot do, my knees also have a tendency to dislocate if I move a certain way and I have to put the kneecap back.

HoozTurnIsIT · 01/05/2019 19:43

VanessaShanessaJenkins I've often thought that when I see people failing to touch their toes. You have to stick your bum in the air!

DH and both very fit DSs can't get near their toes. I can put my hands flat. I've noticed none of the men at my Pilates class can touch their toes so I wondered if it was a m/ f thing.

TippingHenry · 01/05/2019 20:10

ahhhh ... it all makes sense now.

I've always wondered why I can't touch my toes!

Always admired those who could!

MollysMummy2010 · 01/05/2019 20:21

I just tried and I can but I now hurt and probably won’t be able to move tomorrow. I was also moved to try the splits. Not pretty.

CylindraceousNicholas · 01/05/2019 20:36

How do you bend your hips rather than your back? I don't get it....

You can bend down using just your back but it won't get you as far. Try and get your chest in light with the front of your thighs and you should see what I mean - you need to bend lower down/move hip position to do it or get them close to touching

Eliza9919 · 01/05/2019 20:50

I'm fat and unfit and I can place my hands flat on the floor with my legs straight.

It must just be a thing ppl can or can't do.

goose1964 · 01/05/2019 20:50

I'm fat and unfit, but I can still put my hands flat on the floor not just touching my toes.

ValleyoftheHorses · 01/05/2019 21:11

After 2 years of Pilates i’m nowhere near being able to do this. I have tight hamstrings.

Oblomov19 · 01/05/2019 21:22

I can't either. Presumably very tight leg muscles?

bluebluezoo · 02/05/2019 09:26

It must just be a thing ppl can or can't do

No, it can be trained. It will be much harder for some than others, but the vast majority of people will be able to do it eventually.

It is likely if you have never done sport you may actually find it easier than someone who is very fit from sports like running or football which naturally tightens ligaments. Others are naturally more flexible, but that just means everyone has a different starting point.

BlueSkiesLies · 02/05/2019 10:12

Never have been able to.

I have tight hip flexes. Tight hamstrings. Tight calves. Tight everything.

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