Q&A for How to Become Flexible

The biggest benefit is that it improves your activities of daily living. When you pick up a box or a laundry basket, or you go to grab the newspaper, or you're chasing your kids around, it's going to be easier if you're more flexible. It also helps improve your circulatory system, so your heart can pump blood throughout your body more easily, and with that comes a better delivery of the proteins and nutrients that are necessary for your cells to function.

You can stretch, but you won't improve your range much in 24 hours. Instead, try applying heat, then cold to your muscles, and keep switching back and forth. For instance, if you want to improve the flexibility in your whole body, you might take a hot shower, then a cold bath. If it's more of a localized area, you might use a heating pad followed by an ice pack. You should also sleep to rest your muscles.

The best way to improve your flexibility is to stretch continually and consistently. Stretch throughout the day every day, and try to surpass whatever limits you had the day before. Let's say you're doing a hamstring stretch and you can get 75% of the way down. You would see that benchmark, then try to do that exact same stretch and get to 80% of the way down.

No. Being flexible takes time and practice. A few months ago, I could barely lift my leg up so that it was straight out beside me. I started practicing and now I can almost go all the way. I know it's hard, but it takes a lot of time.

No, they do not. Being flexible it means that you have less tense, stretched out muscles. Your bones will never be malleable.

Lay down and bring your foot to your head. Also practice Y-stretches and bow and arrows. There are some really good YouTube videos out there, but take it slow and don't push it.

You should do each stretch from 15 seconds (for simple things like shoulder or wrist stretches) to 1 minute (for things like splits or pike). Obviously, if you are more advanced, you should do them from 45 seconds to 2 minutes 30 seconds.You can do them all in one session, and it is very helpful, as once you start, it is easier to continue, but it is not mandatory.

1. Warm up; 2. Pike or touch your toes with straight legs while standing up, 0:30; 3. Shoulder stretches, 0:15; 4. Straddle stretches, 0:30 per side; 5. Splits, 1:00 per side; 6. Back stretches, 0:20 - 0:45 depending on your flexibility; and 7. Ankle stretches.

Yes! You should be flexible very soon.

Start with yoga and surya namaskar every day for 10 to 20 times. Don't overdo it, though. Try to do it to a limit that it doesn't feel painful. Continue it for a month or two. This should help you to become more flexible than you are now. And even after this continue yoga, surya namaskar along with a healthy diet and stretching.

These stretches stretch other parts of your body. Check out this article: How to Do the Splits in a Week or Less for more help.

No. If you are shaking, you should either stretch more gradually or come back to that stretch later. Avoid bouncing as you can pull a muscle. However, if it just slight shaking, you should be okay.

Take it easy! Sometimes if your body works too much, it can become sore. Take a break and then start working out again. Remember to not push yourself too much. Its all about time and practice.

There is no set date or time span, but just when you feel like you are ready. It can take as much as a few months.

You won't break your legs, but you can strain your groin area and joints, so don't force it.

This is true. However, that does not mean you cannot be flexible if you are older. It just means you need to keep working on it and to stay aware of the things you might be doing to reduce flexibility, such as not moving about enough.

No, you shouldn't. Stretching too much could strain your muscles. Always rest after stretching, take the day off and if you're feeling better the next day, try again.

Keep stretching and make sure that you only do what doesn’t hurt; don’t push too hard because that can result in injury.

Check out this article: How to Do the Splits in a Week or Less .

Whether skinny or not, stretching is the key. Stretch consistently for about a half-hour per day (better yet, morning and evening). Consider taking a yoga class, as an instructor can help increase flexibility.

It takes a lot of time. You have to be patient. If you follow these exercises, you should notice your splits getting progressively lower, your legs straighter and in your kicks, your leg comes up higher.

No, eating almonds will not make you more flexible, but a healthy diet of fruits and vegetables can. You should also practice stretches. This website has a variety of stretches that should prove to be quite useful.

No! Flexibility is all in your muscles.

Start by getting a activity tracker, such as Fitbit or a less-expensive alternative. Wear it every day, checking your steps, calories burned, and your time. Exercise every day. Drink lots of water, and eat healthily, no junk foods. Soon you will lose weight and be fit.

Yes, you can. Any shape or size can become flexible.

It depends on how often and how much you stretch. Typically, you can see results in as little as 4 weeks if you keep a good stretching routine.

Just keep on practicing and you will get there eventually.

Absolutely. Some people are born flexible and discover this at a young age, but not being born that way doesn't mean you can't become flexible.

Center splits and more dynamic stretching.

Check out this article! http://www.wikihow.com/Do-Center-Splits