Take the flex test

Keen to get more limber? Our head-to-toe flexibility check will help you identify which areas need work and show you how to, literally, stretch your potential

TEST 1

Groin

Sit on floor with knees bent, feet flat on floor and legs together. Let knees drop out to either side as far as possible, keeping your soles together. Hold ankles with both hands, and pull them as close to your groin as possible.

RESULTS: Measure the distance from your heels to your groin and rate your flexibility in this area accordingly: 5cm = excellent, 10cm = very good, 15cm = good, 20cm = fair, 25cm = Poor. FIX IT: The test itself is a great stretch – use your forearms to gently press your thighs nearer the to floor.

Can you touch your toes?

Research reveals 38% of us struggle with this simple flexibility test – and it’s a sure sign that we need to loosen up. ‘It’s partly down to our work environment – sitting at a computer causes muscle tightness,’ says personal trainer Sarah O’Neill (sarahoneill.co.uk). Your flexibility decreases as you age, so it’s important you get back on track now.

Here’s how...

TEST 2

Shoulders