Getting Flexible, Starting As An Adult: How Long Does It Really Take?

Aleks Brzezinska didn’t start stretching until she was 21, and here’s what she found:

We’ll not stretch the truth

A lot of stretching programs will claim “do the splits in 30 days” or similar, and while this may occasionally be true, usually it’ll take longer.

Brzezinska started stretching seriously when she was 21, and made significant flexibility gains between the ages of 21 and 23 with consistent practice. Since then, she’s just maintained her flexibility.

There are facts that affect progress significantly, such as:

• Anatomy: body structure, age, and joint flexibility do influence flexibility; starting younger and/or having hypermobile joints does make it easier.
• Consistency: regular practice (2–3 times a week) is crucial, but avoid overdoing it, especially when sore.
• Lifestyle: weightlifting, running, and similar activities can tighten muscles, making flexibility harder to achieve.
• Hydration: staying hydrated is important for muscle flexibility.

She also recommends incorporating a variety of different stretching types, rather than just one method, for example passive stretching, active stretching, Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation (PNF) stretching, and mobility work.

For more on each of these, enjoy:

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Jasmine McDonald’s Ballet Stretching Routine

Take care!