How to stay flexible as you age?

[Anonymous]

Title explains what I would love to know. Never tried yoga, which is what I’m guessing people will suggest. If yoga is, indeed, the best way to maintain flexibility, how would one begin from scratch with it? Thanks!

[Anonymous]

Stay inside in summer, being outside will make you achy /s.

[Anonymous]

yoga and pilates are both good for a combination of strength, flexibility and balance, all of which are important as you age. (Yoga more so than pilates in terms of balance). I would start with some beginner yoga classes, try a few different types and see what you like . You could start with online classes, but a good teacher will help you with form.

[Anonymous]

Yoga, Tai Chi, Pilates - since you're using this site you must be web savvy. You can look up beginner "Classes" online like youtube for free. Your local community center probably has classes for free or cheap to try too for beginners. e.g. we have one called Yoga as You AGE.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Stay inside in summer, being outside will make you achy /s.

As we all learned today!

[Anonymous]

There are beginner yoga videos on Youtube and Amazon Prime. Try different teachers until you find one that’s a good fit for you.

[Anonymous]

Yoga with Adrienne is a popular YouTube channel.

I recommend learning stretches either from a PT in person or from a PT / DPT on YouTube. Senior stretch classes can be great. I took one by video during the pandemic through my gym and the teacher taught me ways to stretch that have helped me a lot.

Walking helps. Use the joints to keep them lubricated.

[Anonymous]

Yoga is great. I take dance, barre and stretch classes. My mom takes tai chi and sister takes mixed martial arts.

I love stretching at the side of the pool after a few laps.

Many ways to stay flexible.

[Anonymous]

Look up Controlled Articular Rotations. Basically just slowly circling through the full range of motion in each joint each day

[Anonymous]

There is chair yoga to start with! There are tons of videos on youtube or roku to start with!

[Anonymous]

Once a week I go to a stretch session where my therapist is very skilled in diagnosing the right stretches to put me through. I do need to get better at stretching at home.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:yoga and pilates are both good for a combination of strength, flexibility and balance, all of which are important as you age. (Yoga more so than pilates in terms of balance). I would start with some beginner yoga classes, try a few different types and see what you like . You could start with online classes, but a good teacher will help you with form.

I strongly recommend going to in person classes. Especially if you haven't done yoga or other types of activity that incorporate stretching type poses (e.g., dance, gymnastics), having an instructor that will help correct form is hugely helpful. Often it's a very small adjustment but it'll make a huge difference in making sure you're stretching correctly and getting the benefit of the pose. And starting with in person will prevent developing bad habits as well as helping you learn what the stretches should feel like.

[Anonymous]

[Anonymous]

The peloton app has great mobility classes (in addition to stretching, yoga, pilates and barre). All for $13/month.