Are you flexible or hypermobile?

Flexibility.

• Controlled

•  Trained over time

•  Involves muscles lengthening

•  Useful in yoga, dance, and sports

•  Usually pain-free and functional

Hypermobility.

• Genetic connective tissue condition

•  Joints move beyond normal range

•  Often lacks muscular control

•  Can lead to pain, instability, and fatigue

•  Affects more than just joints: think gut, bladder, and blood vessels

Just because someone can touch their toes easily doesn’t mean they’re just “flexible”, they might be hypermobile, and that requires a very different approach to movement and training.

Understanding the difference helps us support you better, avoid injury, and create safe movement strategies. Hypermobility isn’t just a musculoskeletal issue, it’s a whole-body connective tissue condition.

The advice I give my hypermobile clients on mobility (and yep, I’m giving it to you too):

1. Not all mobility is good mobility. Just because your body can bend that way doesn’t mean it should.
Excess flexibility without control can lead to soreness, fatigue, and injury.

2. Strength before stretch. When joints move beyond normal range, the body relies on muscles and fascia for support. That means strength training is essential for stability and injury prevention.

3. Skip the long holds + deep stretches. Instead of pushing your body to end range, work on control and awareness. Focus on slow, controlled movements that improve proprioception.

4. Mobility should be smart. The goal isn’t to move more, it’s to move better. Protect your joints. Build strength. Train with intention.