5 everyday stretches to stay flexible as you age

Jogging and lifting weights may be the first things that spring to mind when you think about exercise, but what about stretching? Although many people neglect it, stretching every day is crucial to preserving your flexibility, mobility, and independence as you age. After discussing the value of stretching, let’s go over five easy stretches that will keep you flexible.

Runner’s stretch

The lower body benefits greatly from this stretch, particularly the hip flexors and hamstrings. Low back pain is frequently caused by tight hamstrings. Those who sit for long periods of time may experience them more severely. Worked muscles included the calves, low back, hip flexors, and hamstrings.
Place your feet hip width apart as you stand.

Place both of your hands on the ground, shoulder-width apart, on either side of your right foot as you take a step back with your left leg.
Your left hip and leg should feel stretched when you lower your hips. Wait 30 seconds.
Maintaining your hands on the ground, slowly extend your front leg. If your leg isn’t entirely straight, don’t worry. Wait 30 minutes.

Overhead side stretch

This simple stretching exercise focuses on your latissimus dorsi and obliques, which are the sides of your torso.

Stand with your feet hip-width apart or sit in a chair with your hips, knees, and toes forward.
Raise your right arm, lean slightly to the left, and hold the position for ten to thirty seconds.
Repeat on the opposite side after you’ve returned to the center.

Forward fold

The best stretch for the entire body is this one. For office workers who spend too much time in front of computers, it’s perfect. This will help to stretch the hamstrings and legs. It also opens up the shoulders and chest. The hamstrings, shoulders, low back, and chest are exercised with this one.
Place your feet hip-width apart and tip your toes forward as you stand.
To meet behind your glutes, extend your hands behind you. If you can, interlace your fingers.
Keeping a flat back, bend at the waist, shifting your hips backward, and weight in your heels until you feel a stretch down the back of your legs.
Allow gravity to draw your arms straight above your head as you lean forward. Only go as far as your shoulder flexibility will allow.

Tricep stretch

It is one of the most simple stretching moves with great benefits. The triceps, or backs of your upper arms, are the focus of this stretch.
Stand with your feet hip-width apart or sit in a chair with your hips, knees, and toes forward.
Bend your right arm so that it is behind your head and raise it overhead.
Apply light pressure to your right arm with your left hand (from the front, or behind your head if you can) and hold it there for 10 to 30 seconds.
Repeat on the opposite side after releasing and switching arms.

Seated back twists

An excellent way to relieve back discomfort and enhance mobility is to perform spinal twists. Avoid this exercise if you have any disk or spinal issues that could get worse while you twist.
Place your left leg on top of your crossed legs while sitting on the floor.
With your foot on the floor at your right knee, cross your left leg over your right leg even farther so that your left knee points up.
Using your left leg as leverage, gently twist your shoulders to the left.
Don’t go farther than is comfortable. For 30 seconds, hold the position.