Flexibility Linked To A Longer Life
Given that physical activity is linked to longer life, Brazilian scientists studied whether flexibility might offer similar benefits.
Dr. Claudio Gil Araújo's research team at CLINIMEX analyzed 28 years of data from roughly 3,000 participants, following each person for an average of 12.9 years. Their analysis demonstrated that individuals with enhanced flexibility consistently outlived those with limited range of motion. While research has shown cardiovascular and strength training extend lifespan, flexibility's role in longevity remained unexplored until this study.
Study overview
Researchers analyzed data from 3,139 middle-aged Brazilians (66% men, ages 46-65) over nearly 30 years, with an average 13-year follow-up period. Women with lower flexibility scores had 4.78 times higher risk of death compared to those with higher flexibility. Men with lower flexibility scores had 1.87 times higher risk of death compared to more flexible men.
The study establishes flexibility as a crucial component of physical fitness for long-term health, especially in middle age. Results suggest middle-aged people should incorporate daily stretching routines, and doctors should bring back assessments for flexibility during our annual physical exams.
My take,
Unfortunately, most people view stretching as unimportant—just something that takes up time they don't have. Education is key, especially when it comes to our bodies. The more we know and begin to understand the benefits, the more we can be proactive with our health routine.
I share with my clients all the time that Flexibility—the range of motion in muscles and joints—is crucial for preventing the pain they may feel around areas like the neck and lower back. I give an examples of what happens when you lack flexibility. Such as: when our glutes and IT bands are tight this can trigger pain at the knee and along the outside of the thigh. It can also contribute to hip pain, and hip bursitis. Daily stretching routines can help attain and maintain flexibility to prevent these kinds of issues.
When I teach my yoga or FusionFLOW classes that focus on flexibility and so much more, I love it when members share with me after class how much they enjoyed my sessions because the pain in their hip, knee, lower back, or even neck has completely disappeared. I even had a member tell me that she had a doctor's appointment scheduled for that week due to pain she'd been experiencing in her glutes. She said she was going to call her doctor to let him know the pain had gone away with the stretches we did in class and ask whether she should postpone her appointment to see if continuing with the stretches would eliminate the pain long-term. I reminded her and other members who say the stretches we do in class help eliminate their pain that consistency is key. Daily stretching is a proactive way to minimize and/or eliminate joint and muscle stiffness, including pain, long-term. And based on this study, I can now share with them that it can even help with longevity.
Before you begin any physical activity or exercises, if you have any health risks, issues, or concerns, it is important to consult with your doctor first.
How to get started
Already Know How To Stretch: If you already know how to stretch but are just not consistent, then you would add another day or two to your week and do this for two weeks straight. Then add another day and so on. It takes about two weeks to establish a new habit. In those two weeks, you are figuring out where to adjust your routine to fit in that new habit. So give yourself time and grace.
Just Starting Out: After reading my newsletter, if you are now motivated to get more flexible and start stretching daily but don't know where to start, CLICK HERE for some great ideas. Also, never hesitate to join our chat below and ask your questions. I love chatting with my subscribers.
