What are the ways to maintain flexibility after 20s and 30s?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have few doubts. Please answer:

Why we lose flexibility in our 20s and 30s and how to keep it or get it back?
What is peak flexibility age?
At what age do we start losing flexibility?
Is it related to growth spurts in puberty?
What is a good measure of flexibility or does it depend on the individual?
What's a good way for someone to start getting their flexibility back as a 20- or 30-something?
Where do we start, just at home, before we try out something like yoga?
What are the benefits of trying to improve flexibility in your 20s and 30s?
Will your 40/50/60/70-year-old self be grateful?
What are some bad habits that hurt our flexibility? Like sitting at a desk all day.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Loss of flexibility and degeneration band ageing go hand in hand. Growth spurts loss of flexibility is due to mismatch in the rate of bone and muscle length growth. Peak fitness is in late teens and early third decades. Ability to squat, touch the tips of fingers on the floor, able to hold hands behind the shoulders, etc., indicate normal flexibility. Yoga, swimming, pilates, etc., are some means of maintaining flexibility. Improved flexibility leads to lower wear and tear of the joints and overall the muscle strength is maintained as the joints are not painful to move. Lack of flexibility comes from the sitting and not taking the joints through the range of movement and in general not being active as well as doing the chores daily.