Why You Aren’t Getting More Flexible:

Flexibility is one of those fitness goals that many people struggle with. Whether it's trying to touch your toes, achieve a deeper squat, or just feel more comfortable moving your body, improving flexibility seems like a simple goal—yet it often proves elusive. While some people seem to gain flexibility with little effort, others can stretch daily and still see little progress. So, why aren't more people getting more flexible? Here are three key reasons why your flexibility might not be improving:

1. Not Progressive Overloading

Just like strength training, improving flexibility requires progressive overload. This means gradually increasing the intensity or difficulty of your stretches over time. Many people make the mistake of stretching the same way, with the same intensity, day after day. While this can maintain flexibility, it won't improve it.

To make progress, you need to push your flexibility limits slightly each time. This could mean holding stretches for longer, reaching deeper into a stretch, or gradually increasing your range of motion. For instance, if you're trying to improve hamstring flexibility, you should try to hold a hamstring stretch for a longer period or move into a deeper stretch as your flexibility improves. Without this gradual progression, your body doesn’t have a reason to change or adapt, and your flexibility will plateau.

2. Lack of Consistency

Flexibility doesn’t improve overnight; it requires time and consistency. People often fall into the trap of stretching sporadically—perhaps after a workout or during a random stretch session—but they aren’t practicing it regularly enough to see significant results. Flexibility is like building a muscle; the more often you work at it, the more you’ll see change.

If you’re only stretching once or twice a week, it’s simply not enough to see lasting improvements. A consistent routine is essential. Ideally, you should be stretching at least 3-4 times a week, if not daily, to see noticeable progress. The body needs regular, consistent stimulation to create lasting changes in flexibility. So, if you’re only stretching when you feel like it, you’re likely missing out on the improvements that come with consistent practice.

3. Not Taking a Holistic Approach

Flexibility isn’t just about how much time you spend stretching. It's also about understanding how the body works as a whole and approaching flexibility training with a well-rounded mindset. Many people focus exclusively on static stretches or only target the muscles they think need work. But flexibility is often tied to overall mobility, muscle imbalances, and posture, which are easy to overlook.

For instance, tight hips can affect your hamstrings or lower back, and poor posture can limit your shoulder mobility. A focused stretching routine that addresses specific problem areas is important, but it’s equally crucial to incorporate full-body mobility work. You also need to consider factors like strength training, as strong muscles help maintain flexibility and prevent injuries. If you're only stretching, but neglecting mobility exercises or strengthening weak areas, your flexibility will suffer in the long run.

Conclusion

Improving flexibility isn’t a quick fix—it’s a long-term process that requires the right approach. If you’re not seeing progress, it may be due to one (or more) of these factors: you’re not progressively overloading your stretches, you’re not being consistent, or you’re not taking a holistic approach to flexibility. By incorporating gradual, consistent effort, and considering all the factors that influence your flexibility, you’ll be on your way to improving your range of motion and achieving greater flexibility over time. Keep at it, and don’t expect overnight results—flexibility is a journey, not a sprint!

Coach Tommy Pomatico

Tommy's Take by Tommy Pomatico 3/3