Have you ever tried to reach up to grab something from the top shelf, bend down to pick up something from the floor, twist to reach and fasten your seat belt or even just tie your shoes and thought–“YIKES!”
If these simple tasks aren’t as easy as they used to be, a lack of flexibility and mobility are to blame.
If you’re stiff and lack range of motion, everyday activities become difficult to perform.
This is why it’s so important to choose exercises that will help you stay flexible and mobile.
What Is Mobility?
Mobility refers to the range of motion you have, for example, when reaching behind you to put on your sweater or coat.
Mobility also refers to our ability to move through our daily tasks, getting from one place to another as needed.
What Is Flexibility?
Flexibility is similar. It’s the ability of a joint or series of joints to move unrestricted and free of pain.
Flexibility can be joint specific, meaning some parts of your body may be more flexible than others.
Improving our flexibility can help us achieve a good range of motion and avoid tightness and pain.
The Best Ways To Stay Flexible For Older Adults
Taking time to stretch every day should become a habit–both in the morning and later in the day would be ideal.
The great thing is you get to choose from many practices: yoga, tai chi, ballet, and the list goes on. They can all help improve your mobility and flexibility.
Make use of the ones that seem to work for you.
Over time, you should start to see some of the following benefits:
- Better balance
- Increased calorie burn as it takes energy to lengthen and stretch
- Ease of performance of everyday activities and sports
- Improved blood supply to the muscles
- Good posture
- Less risk of injury
- Longer endurance
- Reduced stiffness and soreness
By dedicating time each day for stretching, it won’t take long before you start to notice a difference in how you move and feel.
If you don’t know where to start, try the video below.
I call it “fitness blend.” It’s my signature mix of stretching and strength that wakes up every muscle of the body and will leave you feeling energized.
If you like this video, we have other fitness blend variations here:
Try one of these videos and your whole body will thank you!
HERE’S TO FEELING GOOD!
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