People with natural hypermobility possess a different ratio of collagen types in their connective tissues. Higher amounts of Type III collagen (which is more elastic) versus Type I collagen (which is more rigid) allow ligaments and tendons to stretch significantly further without tearing.

Flexibility without strength leads to severe joint dislocation. Performers dedicate significant time to strengthening the core, glutes, and deep spinal muscles to support their hypermobile joints.

How do you train Barbara extreme flexibility? It's a science. Underpinning these remarkable abilities are some key training techniques anyone can use:

Before attempting "extreme" positions, you must adhere to the 5 core principles of flexibility training:

PNF involves stretching a muscle, contracting it isometrically against resistance, and then relaxing into a deeper stretch. This technique temporarily bypasses the stretch reflex, allowing for rapid, incremental gains in range of motion while building strength at the absolute end-range. 3. Progressive Overload

It consists of 5 rounds, each for time, of 20 pull-ups, 30 push-ups, 40 sit-ups, and 50 squats, with exactly 3 minutes of rest between rounds.

The world of extreme flexibility has evolved from the music hall stages of Barbara La May to the digital screens of 2025.