Can a person be too flexible? Probably not if we’re referring to personality but what about physicality? I have lauded the benefits of flexibility and the importance of a stretch component in every workout. A flexible body sports a more youthful carriage as it is often more graceful in the execution of bending and twisting. While most people fall into the category of not so nimble and would never make it as a porn star or seek a career with the Cirque du Soleil, there is a sizable population of people who are a little too flexible.

Flexibility is determined by the range of motion at a particular joint. It is affected by the joint type and location, the shape of the articulating surfaces, and the action of the muscles surrounding the joint. ( I love it when I can recall my kinesiology test questions.) Range of motion is measurable and there are norms. Overly flexible people tend to exceed those norms by hyper-extending in joints of the elbows, knees or the hip flexors. I was usually the example of hyper-extension in my kinesiology class which allowed me to show off a bit from time to time. I inherited my mother’s ability to practically turn my elbows inside out; not a very pretty sight. Being overly flexible can be a disadvantage however and can certainly throw off a good cartwheel. It means that the joints lack stability. Posture can be affected by hyper-extended knees and hip flexors which place the individual in a posterior tilt of the pelvis. Joint laxity can affect movement patterns and place the joints at risk in certain activities. Extreme cases often need physical therapy and surgical intervention, but for the less extreme a strengthening protocol is indicated.

If you are one of those people who could always do the splits (ahem), or had the tendency to entertain people by doing strange things with your thumbs and elbows ……maybe you have missed your calling. Meanwhile, stay strong!