Gyms
Online Coaching
Get Coached OnlineOnline CoachesFit DadsHybrid AthletesFit Women's BlueprintFit Dad's Blueprint
BlogAboutContact
Feb 11, 2025

Flexibility - Your Brain May Be In The Way

Train Your Brain To Become More Flexible

Flexibility is often misunderstood. Many people believe that achieving greater range of motion is solely about stretching the muscles, but the truth is that flexibility is primarily a skill—a skill governed by the central nervous system (CNS). Your brain plays a significant role in determining how much movement it will allow in any given range. If your CNS perceives a movement as unsafe, it will create resistance, limiting your flexibility. To improve, we need to train the brain to trust these new ranges.

‍

The Role of the Brain in Flexibility

Your nervous system acts as a gatekeeper to your flexibility. If your brain senses instability or potential danger in a new range, it tightens the surrounding muscles to protect you from injury. This is why many people feel "stiff"—their nervous system is simply putting the brakes on excessive movement to prevent harm.

To overcome these limitations, we must expose our nervous system to safe, controlled stretching and movement patterns repeatedly. This process helps the brain recognize that these new ranges are safe, allowing it to release tension and grant more access to mobility.

‍

Adam Fetter doing some splits practice in his gym

‍

Flexibility is Like Learning a New Skill

Think of flexibility as learning a new skill, much like juggling. When you first try to juggle, your brain struggles to make the necessary neural connections. However, with repeated exposure and practice, your brain refines the movement, and what once felt impossible becomes second nature. The same principle applies to flexibility.

Frequent, mindful stretching and mobility work teach the nervous system to accept greater ranges of motion. Consistent exposure through daily practice is one of the most effective ways to "learn" flexibility. The more often you expose your body to a specific range, the more comfortable your nervous system becomes with it.

‍

Advancing Your Flexibility Training

Once you've built a foundation of improved flexibility, it's time to challenge your nervous system further, just as you would when progressing in any other skill. More advanced flexibility techniques can help you continue making gains:

  • Dynamic and Ballistic Stretching – Introduce movement into stretching to build tolerance and control in extended ranges.
  • PNF (Proprioceptive Neuromuscular Facilitation) – Uses contract-relax techniques to increase neural signaling and mobility.
  • End-Range Isometrics – Strengthens muscles at their most lengthened positions, teaching the brain to support these ranges.

By continually exposing your body to new mobility demands and progressively challenging your nervous system, you can continue to improve your flexibility over time. Treating flexibility as a skill rather than a passive ability will lead to long-term, sustainable gains in mobility and movement quality.

‍

Get more expert advice from our coaches by visiting the proof3 blog, following us on Instagram, or connecting with us on LinkedIn. Want to take your health to the next level? Book a free consultation with one of our coaching coordinators to learn what remote coaching and a personalized fitness program will help you achieve. If you're in or around Scottsdale, AZ, visit our brand-new flagship gym to start training smarter!

‍

Subscribe to our newsletter

Sign up for our newsletter for the latest proof3 news
Thank you! Your submission has been received!
Oops! Something went wrong while submitting the form.

Related articles

Mar 17, 2025

Optimize Your Weightlifting with These 5 Recovery Secrets

Mar 8, 2025

How Outdoor Activity Can Boost Your Mood and Motivation

Feb 14, 2025

Training for Nothing (and Everything) at the Same Time

Follow proof3 Salt River
Follow proof3 Online Coaching
Contact Us : info@proof3.com
CareersPrivacy Policy
© 2024 proof3™ All Rights Reserved.