Catie Brier | Contortion & Flexibility Instructor
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Welcome to the inside of my head.


​Here you will find all of the info posts I've written for Instagram. So go ahead and read on for some helpful insights about how to make your flexibility training more productive, or just for some fun food for thought.

How long will it take to learn the splits?

7/16/2020

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First things first: Flexibility takes TIME to improve, and setting a goal of one month, one week, etc. is not the best way to approach your flexibility training.

I get SO MANY messages and emails from people asking how to improve their backbend/splits/needle in as little time as possible. So let me say this once: There is no safe way to *drastically* improve flexibility quickly. Flexibility/contortion training is a long and sometimes arduous process. Forcing yourself deeper in splits/back stretches that your body isn't ready for, or having no idea of what is happening in your body will (most likely) lead to injury. Being very intentional with your training is the MOST important thing you can do for your body, not to mention the safest way to improve your flexibility and keep your body healthy in the long run.

I often post progress photos on IG of very extreme changes in short periods of time, but the fact is, I primarily fix technique, making the positions SAFER and that ends up allowing the student to get a lot deeper. Sometimes it’s flexibility improvement, but a lot of the time it’s technique. So although some are able to improve quickly, not everyone will be able to see a drastic change in a short period, especially if it's your flexibility holding you back and not your technique.

The other side of this is that I focus on strength JUST. AS. MUCH. as stretching. The progress my students make is not through pain and suffering. It is through very specific exercises, appropriate amounts of pushing where needed, and mindful training.
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So remember, it is absolutely possible to greatly improve flexibility at any age, but it WILL take time, and you have to be consistent and mindful!
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    It's me! @catie.brier.contortion here to give you some insights, ideas, and tips about your flexibility training.

    Click "read more" under each heading to read the full post.

Copyright  Catie Brier © 2020
  • In-person training
  • Online Training
    • Info for Beginners/How to Get Started
    • Personalized Flexibility Training Plans >
      • Program FAQ
    • Contortion Strong >
      • New Minis!
    • Virtual Workshops
    • Single sessions/consults
    • Follow-Along Stretch Series
    • Reviews
  • Workshops
    • Upcoming Workshops
    • Virtual Workshops
    • Workshop Info for Studios
  • About
    • Reviews
  • Contact