Is it common for adults to be nearly flexible enough to do the splits, touch their toes (legs together), etc.? Forgive me if this is a ridiculous question; I was under the impression most people are not that flexible, but now I'm wondering if that's not actually the case.

Out of sheer curiosity, what is considered an average level of flexibility?

I know yesterday on the Dr. Oz show, he had the entire audience bend over and touch their toes with their legs together. He said that if you can do that, it has a lot to do with the strength and flexibility of the arteries around your heart and possible heart disease. Most of the audience could do it.

As far as doing a split? I could do them like crazy when I was much younger. Now, I might be able to, but I would have to really increase flexibility at this point.

I never could do splits, not even as a little girl.

I think that as an adult, to maintain flexibility it takes more work to do it. The nature of our bodies as children with the muscles and the still-developing connective tissue helps kids be flexible. BUT as adults, as long as we focus on it, we can still stay flexible. I also believe that some of it has to do with how much more active kids are, and the more active you are, the warmer your muscles, and the more flexible you are. If you try to touch your toes when you've been sitting on the touch for a couple hours, it you will be less flexible than if you tried it after going for a long walk.

~Katy