I want to improve my flexibility

[Kattuccino]

I'm 47, fairly fit (do regular HIIT/dumbbell HIITs via YouTube) but I'm struggling with my flexibility. The backs of my legs in particular always feel really tight. I struggle to touch my toes, raise my legs straight in the air etc.

Does anyone have any suggestions for the type of workouts I need to help with this? Would yoga be my best bet? I have given yoga a half-hearted go in the past, but tend to give up as I'm so much less flexible than the instructors and I'm embarrassed. I'd rather do some burpees!

Any suggestions gratefully received!

For reference, for workouts I follow:
Growingananas
Oliver Sjostrom
NoBadAddiction
Olivia Lawson

Thanks!

Pilates, all day long! It’s amazing for flexibility. It’s a bit like yoga but you hold poses for much less time and it’s more dynamic and flows and I found my strength really improved too.

Plenty of hamstring stretches should help

Reformer Pilates for sure

Like standing on tiptoes on the bottom stair and dipping your heels off the edge

Vinyassa Flow yoga did it for me. I do Pilates as well, but it didn't have anywhere near the benefit of a proper dynamic, flowing, yoga class.

Are there any YouTubers you'd recommend who do these types of sessions? I'll struggle to get to a class due to work/ferrying DC to various activities/helping elderly parents etc...

I also do Pilates as I really don't enjoy yoga. I also do proper stretches (aim once a week but fail!). Like 20-30 mins full body stretches. I do on the peloton app but I'm sure there are some on YouTube. I use blocks and foam rolling too

Pilates … I don’t like classes but do the Lily Sabri videos on YouTube

Pilates. It will give you flexibility in your spine, hips and shoulders. You will also get a very strong core. The moves are progressive, so whilst there will always be a level to challenge you, you will be able to start easily. Even in a group class, everyone should be working to their own level.

Yoga or pilates are great, but it's also worth some targeted strength work. I've always had rediculously tight hamstrings and weighted deadlifts are working where standing-forward-bends never really initiate progress.

Livinlegings on youtube/ instagram is good at explaining how strength/ flexibility are interconnected.

Youtube yoga videos I like are Uliana and Adriene.

Yoga and Pilates are good but in terms of stretching workouts on YouTube I like
both Tom Merrick and Eleni Fit

The Simplistic Mobility Method. Devised by Tom Morrison who has a YouTube channel with lots of free content so you can give him a try. If you like it, it’s a one-off fee of about £60 for the SMM and it really works to build flexibility and strength. I feel loads better since I’ve been doing it.

Take a look at YogaBody, I did a flexibility course with them. They offer courses that focus specifically on flexibility, with long stretches. I found it useful.
https://www.yogabody.com/

I second Tom Morrison, although I haven't managed to stick to the method fully yet due to various issues I've needed treatment for. He has loads of free videos on YouTube so you can check out his style before committing - I love his comedy personally. If you sign up to SMM you get access to a Facebook group where you can ask questions and get support from other followers (it's not a cult 😂)

Lots of recommendations to check out - thanks everyone!

Adam Richardson on Insta has a book out that’s all about maintaining flexibility - he’s very likeable!