What Is Hyperbolic Stretching? We Tested It Out

Stretching techniques are often debated fitness world, particularly the merits of dynamic vs. static stretching. There are several types of stretches: active, dynamic, proprioceptive neuromuscular facilitation (PNF) — and now we can add hyperbolic stretching to that list.

Hyperbolic stretching is an online program that promises to increase flexibility, improve posture and relieve back and hip pain, regardless of age or body type. In fact, the program claims that if you follow it, you should be able to do perform a full split in just one month.

But is this program legit? We tested the hyperbolic stretching program for four weeks, looked at the research and talked to experts to find out if it lives up to its promises.

Hyperbolic stretching is the name of a stretching program designed by Alex Larsson, who markets himself as a "flexibility and core strength expert" but his credentials can't actually be found online.

His program combines several methods of stretching, including a form of PNF stretching. With this type of stretching, you use your reflexes to help you get a deeper stretch to improve flexibility. He also includes dynamic stretches (also called active stretches) and some static stretching as well.

According to the website, the program relies on "three principles" to help improve flexibility. The first is called "inverse survival reflex" — which is really the PNF concept of "hold-relax." With this concept, you put the muscle in a stretched position, and contract the muscle without moving (isometrically), which then triggers a reflex that allows you to move deeper into the stretch.

To picture the first principle, imagine a lying hamstring stretch with a partner. Your partner pushes against the back of your calf and ankle and at the same time, you push back against their resistance. Then, you relax your leg, allowing the partner's gentle push to deepen your stretch.

Technically outside of the program, the second principle is "S.A.I.D." or Specific Adaptation to Imposed Demands. Basically, this means if you want to do the splits, you need to actually practice stretches that mimic this motion.

The third principle is using strengthening exercises to get your muscles primed for stretching. The program claims this not only makes your muscles stronger but also "pre-exhausts" your muscles for optimal stretching.

Do the principles actually help build flexibility? Let's jump into what the program consists of and our honest review.

The Hyperbolic Program is available to purchase online for $27 for instant, digital, lifetime access to the basic stretching program. The website advertises that it normally costs $199, but in the months we spent working on this article, the price never went up. The program also offers a 60-day money-back promise if you're not satisfied with your results.

The actual program involves 8 minutes per day of a specific stretching routine, 6 days a week for 30 days to see results. You must also choose between the "male" and the "female" versions, as the programs are apparently different — however it is unclear how.

The goal of the program is to be able to do both the side split or staddle split (both legs split out to the side) and the front split (one leg is in front and one behind).

With your purchase, you get access to 11 videos:

• ‌Main Guide:‌ The introduction to hyperbolic stretching is three minutes long. Larsson goes over the basics of the program, the equipment needed and what to expect.
• ‌Front Split:‌ You get three videos in this section: Week 1 Beginner, Week 2 and 3 Intermediate, and Week 4 Close the Gap.
• ‌Side Split:‌ You get three videos: Week 1 Beginner, Week 2 and 3 Intermediate, and Week 4 Close the Gap.

In addition to these main videos, there are also some "bonus" videos included that cover more on dynamic stretching, upper body stretching, a pike stretch routine (folding over and touching your toes) and the easy bridge stretch (aka the backbend).

The website recommends you break up the program by doing the Side Split routine on Monday, Wednesday and Friday. You do the Front Split routine on Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday.

The only equipment you need is a stable chair and a couple of soft pillows or towels.

After signing up and paying, you are emailed a link with access to the videos. You follow along with the beginner video for week one, a new video that you use for weeks two and three, and then a more advanced video for week four. Each week has a shorter "explainer" video and then the 8-minute stretching routine. As the weeks progress, the stretches become deeper and more intense.

Even though the routines differ slightly from week to week, they follow the same general format:

• You do a light warmup, which I would categorize as dynamic stretches, such as standing lunges.
• Then you do active stretches and some passive stretches, which you are instructed to do with gentle bouncing or oscillations. This is called ballistic stretching.
• The routine ends with the "hold-relax" stretch, in which you contract your muscles isometrically, and then go deeper into the stretch.

The main muscles stretched for the side splits are the hip adductors, while you are mainly stretching the hip flexors and hamstrings for the front splits.

I work out frequently, but I don't do a regular stretching routine. I do Pilates twice a week, however, so I was fairly flexible before starting the program.

The stretches are uncomfortable — after all, you are stretching — yet not painful. I had a difficult time with some of the hold-relax stretches for the hip flexors, as you must push down into the ground with your knee, and I found that uncomfortable. However, I was able to use a mat for padding and work around it.

The videos are straightforward and easy to follow, however, the background music and speaking voice were both a bit monotonous — especially after following along with the routine for several days.

After each session, my legs, hips and back felt loose and warmed up, similar to a post-yoga feeling — and actually started looking forward to doing the routines for this reason.

My flexibility improved quite a bit in four weeks. At the end of the program, I was ‌almost‌ able to do the side splits, and I had pretty much mastered the front splits, though one side was more flexible than the other.

I did have one week during the four-week program where I was out of town, so didn't do the full six days, however, I was overall impressed with my flexibility gains.

This program does offer other stretching programs included in the price, including upper body stretches and dynamic stretches, but I did not try those out.

Although being able to do the different types splits looks cool, it also offers some real benefits. Stretching, in general, is very beneficial, according to the National Academy of Sports Medicine, including helping to prevent injury, preventing muscle imbalances, promoting relaxation and even helping your muscles perform better.

Experts say that tight hip flexors and tight hamstrings can contribute to back pain. Stretching for the front splits (and actually doing the front splits) is a great way to stretch both your hip flexors and hamstrings. Keeping these muscles loose may help decrease and prevent back pain.

However, there are several other ways to stretch these same muscles without doing the splits.

This program uses PNF stretching, a form of passive stretching, which a January 2019 meta-analysis in ‌Physical Therapy in Sport‌ found effective in increasing hamstring flexibility.

However, a March 2012 study in the ‌Journal of Human Kinetics‌ also found that PNF stretching may decrease the performance of high-intensity exercise or sports. For best results, do this stretching program after your sport or athletic activities, not before.

This program also uses ballistic stretching, or bouncing movement with the stretches. There is a risk of injury if done too forcefully, and many trainers do not recommend ballistic stretching at all. A February 2012 review in the ‌International Journal of Sports Physical Therapy‌ states that ballistic stretching is no longer recommended because of its link to injuries.

You also do some dynamic or active stretches, as well as static stretches — which the National Academy of Sports Medicine says helps increase range of motion, as well as decrease pain and stiffness.

"I am a huge proponent of creating a habit of incorporating active stretching into your weekly routine," says Grayson Wickham, DPT, physical therapist and founder of Movement Vault. "With that said, the hyperbolic stretching program isn't the most effective combination of stretching techniques."

Grayson said he is not a fan of passive or static stretching due to its effect on sports and athletic performances, as well as being non-functional. "When we look at it from a common sense perspective, why would we passively stretch to help us get better for active movements in life, in the gym and in our sport? This doesn't make sense."

He says he does like the active or dynamic stretching techniques incorporated in the hyperbolic program, but noted that the stretches lack variety and the contraction holds should be longer during the "hold-relax" portions of the stretches.

Wickham says it is also important to be realistic about how much flexibility you can gain in four weeks. "I am highly skeptical that someone can go from a beginner to doing splits in four weeks of performing their 8-minute routines," Wickham says.

The splits aren't exactly beginner-friendly. And jumping right into a brand-new stretching program can put you at risk of injury. Plus, the splits aren't really necessary for day-to-day pain-free movement or athletic performance.

Lastly, the hyperbolic stretching program has two different stretching routines for men and women, which may be unnecessary. There is a lack of research on what (if any) differences in flexibility exist for different sexes.

As I only did the program marketed for women, I am not sure of the differences in the program, so I can't comment on how the two are different.

A regular stretching program has many benefits. Hyperbolic stretching uses PNF stretching techniques in an easy-to-follow format that appears to be effective in increasing lower body flexibility. It also includes some dynamic stretches and static stretches, which have some benefits. At $27, it is a budget-friendly program, and the routines left me feeling relaxed and limber.

As far as being able to do the splits in four weeks, that depends on your starting point flexibility and fitness level, as well as your compliance with the program.

Use caution with the bouncing or ballistic stretching in the program to avoid the risk of injury. Unless you are an athlete or have been doing a regular stretching program, you may want to avoid doing ballistic stretches altogether. Additionally, it would also be better to perform this stretching program after sports or other athletic activities, especially if muscle performance is a factor.

This program may not be for everyone, so talk to your doctor if you have a preexisting condition, have had a recent injury or are looking for stretches for older adults.

"Anyone that has had a joint replacement should consult with their physician as to whether specific stretches are appropriate for them," Wickham says. "If you experience numbness, tingling or burning pain during any stretch, you should always either modify the stretch or choose a different stretch."

If you need a dedicated and regular routine to motivate you to stretch (and you really want to do the splits!), then this program would be beneficial. However, you could also do your own stretching sequence on a regular basis to get similar results.