4 WORST Stretches for Ages 50+ (AVOID!)

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In this episode, Farnham's leading over-50's physiotherapist, Will Harlow, reveals 5 of the worst stretches for people over 50 that have the potential to cause pain and injury, plus some better alternatives!
If you're suffering from nagging knee pain that hurts in the morning and stops you from walking as far as you'd like, you can take our free knee pain guide - which will give you 5 expert tips to put a stop to knee pain at home - by visiting here: ht-physio.co.uk/knee-pain-gui...
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If you're over-50 with a painful problem in the Farnham, Surrey area, you can learn more about how Will Harlow and HT Physio can help you overcome a painful problem here: ht-physio.co.uk/
*Any information in this video should not be used as a substitute for individual medical advice. Please seek advice from your local healthcare professional before taking action on the information in this video.* Full policy here: ht-physio.co.uk/injury-discla...

[@amandatkids854]

I can’t believe you did this post and particularly showed the painful errors of hurdlers stretch since I do that as soon as I wake up and almost always , though it feels wonderful in the position since I’m hyper flexible , my hip joint will be painful when walking for hours after. I hadn’t realized why my position was doing that so I’m super thankful you explained the WHY and how to do it properly for my body! Thanks so much! I am learning a great deal from you and so happy I found your vlogs! My family, friends and I enjoy everything you post!

[@poolmilethirty2859]

I agree. In yoga class, they have you do this not realizing that it's not for everyone

[@magdal01]

THANK YOU VERY MUCH! I aht up such arougm each time amazed: WHO are the parents that b beautiful human like you! A young man caring about 50+ - it is so healing for the heart❣

[@HT-Physio]

Thank you so much for your kind words, I really appreciate them (and I'm sure my parents will too)! I'm just pleased I can be of help!

[@carolinennjoroge8065]

The same question I nomaly ask myself 🙏🙏🙏

[@karynstouffer3562]

The last time I did the double quad stretch, I hyper flexed my knee! I can't even describe that pain. Thankfully, I had a great chiropractor at the time, and she helped get my knee back to health. I sorely miss her. She was gentle, understood limits, and asked before doing any manipulation that you weren't familiar with. Best of all, she never tried to conflate her abilities.

[@HT-Physio]

She sounds like a great support system, very attentive to your individual needs and very professional - I'm pleased you were able to experience such a great helper at the time!

[@donnalewis616]

Super useful, esp for this 68 year old. I knew about the hazards of 2 of these but not the alternatives. Also, I always sensed while doing the standing split stretch that it was dangerous, and now I know why. After viewing this and another about the bridge, I feel like I somehow dodged a bullet all these years, and now I know what to do to prevent injury. Thank you so much!

[@HT-Physio]

So pleased my videos were able to offer you helpful guidance on what to avoid to keep yourself safe!

[@jons78733]

I’m 62 years old and am doing all of the worst stretches and am more flexible than I have ever been. I actually do the split stretch and touch my forehead on a towel on the floor. I am also an avid cyclist and rock climber. I have not had a serious injury in years. I am assuming that your advice is for those who are not very active or active to a lesser degree. I enjoyed your presentation. Thanks for the advice.

[@magdal01]

Would be great if instead (additionally) of book you would make THE SAME video content that we could also buy! It is much better instead of reading to do with you (per video) together !

[@lucylu4102]

Very helpful advise. 👍🏻 For years I was doing the double ham string stretch, leaning forward & holding onto my toes. I learnt this move doing Bikram yoga, but you’ve just made me realise that that is what is aggravating my sciatic nerve, which has troubled me for a long time. Also used to do the quad stretch, incorrectly it seems & it would aggravate my one ankle very badly. Now I know how to do it correctly. This is an excellent video . Thank you so much.

[@NaturalHealthHub4]

Great to hear you are now using the correct technique.

[@AGabriellbliss]

Your exercises are btilliant! I am almost 50 y/o and when I practice yoga I have found the very same problems that you mention. My joints in general are not so flexible thus I stopped doing those particular movements I will apply there variations though! It is so refreshing that you don't talk bad about other techniques yet rather illustrate where is the issue and a possible alternative Thank you !✨️

[@newyorkcityjazz1]

Thank you for mentioning the sitting and reaching alternative stretch! Such an improvement.

[@HT-Physio]

I'm so pleased you found it helpful!

[@mariaavery1212]

Elaine, I use 2 or 4 lbs bar bells. I have watch Will for months and he has some wonderful videos including shoulders. I have exercised for years and I am not a professional; utilize Will Harlow's videos, I do regularly and have benefited from them. Take care and stick to it. ❤❤

[@mariaavery1212]

I agree with you as to the 2nd stretch. The alternative is so much better. This stretch can also be serious for anyone younger. Thank you for sharing.

[@HT-Physio]

I agree - it's best for everyone to avoid it to save accidents from happening!

[@elainepascale20]

I love your video exercises. I do have an issue with my neck getting strained when I perform exercises for my shoulders. What tips do you have?

[@NaturalHealthHub4]

Agreed

[@teresazambrano2274]

So... people over 50+ should NOT do these excercise, please confirm 😅

[@mariebarnes416]

I’m so glad that I found your videos. Your information is so valuable to folks over 50.

[@HT-Physio]

So pleased I can be of help!

[@apvergis]

Really great. Learnt something new. Thanks

[@galeocean4182]

Excellent info - your explanations are so clear.

[@mollyfranco9104]

Thanks for your advice

[@HT-Physio]

You're very welcome

[@Float4Fun]

Very helpful!!

[@TnOrchidguy]

Thank you, Mr. Will, thank you.

[@Valerie-mn5ic]

Thank you, good videos

[@emilympiti5131]

Thanks for sharing

[@HT-Physio]

You're more than welcome!

[@normasarsby1350]

Absolutely sound advice . I can vouch for it

[@googoo554]

Thanks so much Will

[@zonderbaar]

Thank You so much for your care ! 😊

[@alejandrocedres1662]

Thank you

[@jayneteal-jeffery6283]

Excellent recommendations. Thank you!

[@bethreiners5568]

Good thing I watched this. I was doing 3 out of 4 the wrong way. Thanks!

[@trishwest1809]

Thank you for this informative video.

[@steveninsinna1743]

Great stuff!

[@HT-Physio]

Thank you!

[@Grunfeld]

Thanks for video. Book looks great, haven't got room for a physical book but would buy a copy if in e-book format! (Fingers crossed.)

[@phido9235]

I always followed your technique Will, it helps Thanks ❤️

[@marcoscr7552]

Great video. Thanks.

[@HT-Physio]

Glad you liked it!

[@lailamcdaniels7105]

Thank you so much for explaining the alternatives. I really appreciate all you do and have suggested your videos to several of my friends.

[@HT-Physio]

Thank you so much for sharing my work your support means a lot! I'm glad that the alternatives can be of better use! Wishing you all the best :)

[@lj.3589]

Sound reasoning. Stretch alternatives noted! Thank you.

[@fleurflower1598]

Always good to find better safer & more comfortable alternatives. Thank you

[@HT-Physio]

Absolutely - it's always best to protect yourself!

[@dorischoo]

Thank you. I have been doing the double hamstring, straight legs sitting down, bending forward, truly did not help with my sciatica muscle.

[@ellie698]

Can't wait to try that quad stretch. Thanks 👍🏼

[@HT-Physio]

Wishing you all the best!

[@nicolegizzi8786]

Thank you very much Will. Very useful as usual. Greetings from Nicole ❤❤❤❤

[@kantapunwanibali5477]

Thank you Will.🙏🏼 My quads are very tight so I needed an alternate exercise to stretch them safely.

[@joblackwell6329]

Have been watching your videos for couple of weeks now. Had an unforeseen stroke last May resulting in loss of mobility. Have been working on recovery ever since. I can't praise what you're doing highly enough. Has helped me improve my balance and mobility above other physiotherapy I've had. Thank you so much 😊

[@dianastewart8550]

I have just found your channel, really good, straight forward advice, from an occupational therapist who works with physios

[@jacquelinedevlin6381]

Quite useful information. Thank you.

[@HT-Physio]

You're welcome :)

[@carolinejohn4537]

Thanks so much Will, you are a star ⭐👍

[@HT-Physio]

Always happy to help!

[@clivebasson7831]

Your exercises and your explanations are engaging and very helpful. Thank you Will

[@HT-Physio]

Thank you so much I'm pleased that they can be of help!

[@ranaujahid8529]

I hyperextended my right knee while exercising , it’s almost five months and I have not been able to walk right , thank you will ❤

[@bettyfoster852]

Will, thank you for advising how to walk properly using the leg that is in back using it to move the body forward which gives me more strength and more control when walking. Thanks!

[@francesstager997]

Thanks, Will! I have been doing the Sit and Reach for SO long-- it is a habit! I agree that it is time to change it up a bit!

[@HT-Physio]

It's always good to mix up our routines - especially with safer alternatives!

[@louiserees1676]

Very useful tips. Thank you. I was doing a couple of the stretches you don't advise. The alternatives look a lot safer.

[@HT-Physio]

Glad I could offer some alternatives - wishing you all the best!

[@joseldvega6659]

Thank You, brilliant advice ! 😅

[@HT-Physio]

Glad it was helpful!

[@jenniferalbrecht5101]

You rock! Thank you.

[@HT-Physio]

Thank you so much!

[@spacelemur7955]

These are very sensible alternatives to those stretches I already abandoned years ago as unsafe!

[@HT-Physio]

I'm glad you've steered clear of them!

[@luciehsuen8981]

Thanks for explaining why certain stretches are not appropriate for 50+. Yes, having alternatives help. The ones you shown are age appropriate. 👍

[@noziphomngoma469]

Thanks for corrections ive been doing these wrongs my body so stiff and painful

[@HT-Physio]

I'm sorry to hear you've been in pain - hopefully the alternatives will offer some relief that won't cause discomfort!

[@beverleycumming1876]

65…discovered some of these but wow…alternative stretching is brilliant…I spend as much time on yoga and stretching as i do on walking…love your channel

[@HT-Physio]

I'm so pleased I can be of help, thank you for watching my videos I really appreciate it!

[@choosehope8729]

Love the “work smarter” approach

[@HT-Physio]

Absolutely!

[@jeanwhite7423]

I have watched your videos for awhile. The info is so valuable. I'm 73 and live in USA. You explain it so well. God bless you Thank you

[@HT-Physio]

Thank you for watching my videos, I really appreciate it! Sending best wishes to you in the USA!

[@dorischoo]

Excellent tips on what to 🙏avoid, and thank you for the alternatives. 👍

[@HT-Physio]

My pleasure!

[@karengreen4199]

Very useful slternatives

[@donnadwarika6370]

YOU ARE ALWAYS HELPFUL WILL THANK YOU SO MUCH😂.

[@Hamal007]

Thanks Will. I have found the alternatives so much better. I’ve realised that I may have injured my left labrum by overstretching my left hip doing the hurdlers stretch a few months ago ! I really love your explanations & instructions that are so clear. 👍👍😃😃

[@HT-Physio]

I'm sorry to hear about your injury! I'm so pleased my video can be of help and I hope these alternatives are beneficial :)

[@user-im9wf3kb6e]

Thanks Will, as always very insightful. As a man knocking 60, always take your advise onboard and has helped heaps. Keep up the good work.

[@HT-Physio]

So pleased my videos have been able to offer some practical and beneficial advice!

[@NaturalHealthHub4]

I definitely agree with the hip flexor stretch. Maintaining a neutral position and then tilting the pelvis upwards, often gets a more targeted stretch, without overloading the hip joint.

[@dmccabe1870]

I love your channel. Would you consider doing exercises for scoliosis?

[@SnartNik]

PLEASE DO!

[@joseenoel8093]

I'm very flexible but have cooled it as to not just keep on stretching, elongating and weakening my ligaments!

[@meletcl]

As ever thank you.

[@HT-Physio]

You're very welcome!

[@bethsolomon1895]

Will, you mentioned about some stretches are not good for people with sciatica. Are there any exercises that help with sciatic pain that you can recommend? By the way I’m finding your videos so helpful and I do thank you for taking the trouble to show us all these good things

[@natalielefebvre1628]

Tank u so much iise to all that strech now i will change differently

[@carolinennjoroge8065]

Love 🧡 from Nairobi,but leaves in Sandgate Kent

[@silverfox5732]

Like all the other viewers said learning the correct and safer way to strengthen our bodies is so ,so very helpful 😀 I will definitely watch this video again and again to remind to to do my starch the correct way to feel better. ❤❤❤

[@stha7548]

Haha, I am guilty of 2, and never knew it ! Thanks! :)

[@HeavenlyLights]

Ha… #2 the ballet stretch. Yes.❤ fabulous stretch.

[@poolmilethirty2859]

Thank you so much, coach. You give excellent tips and alternatives to add to my workouts. All I need is to lose the 30 lbs I gained after the accident I had.

[@HT-Physio]

I'm sorry to hear about your accident - I'm wishing you all the best in your recovery and keep up the great work!

[@thow5836]

Will, isn't it bad to stretch one's knee by sitting & twisting ones' legs/body in that familiar yoga "pose"? I believe this is how I tore my meniscus, though there was no indication/pain/pop at the time. I've been told yoga instructors routinely tear up their knees. Perhaps you might do a vid on which yoga poses to avoid. ❓ TIA!

[@user-wz8zp5qm4d]

I'm going to try for now on insha Allah

[@suerolfe9451]

Hi, in your book, do you also explain about these stretches over 50’s shouldn’t do ?

[@dotrossi6631]

Brilliant advice once again Will. As u said a few times "for most ppl"......that last stretch looks ridiculous😂, take care Will, well done on ur posts😉🙏

[@marzymarrz5172]

a long time ago I strained the ilio tsoas muscle, which may or may not be spelled that way, and I hope to never do that again. I seem to recall it took months to calm that down.

[@georgeblackley6028]

Im 71 and do all the worst stretches you mention and have not noticed any issues.

[@annashiegl]

He does mention at the start that if you're happy doing them, and it causes no issues, carry on, but for a lot of us, myself included, they cause pain, and I didn't realise it was because of the way I do some of these stretches, it all makes sense 😊

[@cecylagomarsino16]

This was very useful! I’m very flexible, just turned 69, practiced yoga for a long time, but after being diagnosed with a herniated disc last year have had to modify my routines. Regarding quad stretches, how safe is it to do them standing? And if they are, is there anything else I should watch out for when doing them? I swim three times a week so I usually do them in the pool.

[@jayachitraparadkar6724]

Could you show us some exercises for insertional Achilles tendinitis. Thank you

[@veronicahammond5550]

I think you are excellent! 😊

[@HT-Physio]

Thank you so much!

[@husbandofcrazylady4728]

Thanks for the seated hamstring stretch. It's an easy and natural position. In addition, it's easier to get benefit from compared to the sit and reach, in which, at 19 by the way, I was able to touch my knees with my forehead!

[@HT-Physio]

You're welcome I'm glad it offers a good alternative! It's good to protect the flexibility you've got!

[@hb4299]

What about deadlifts for us older seniors? I find that a full stretch towards my toes puts a strain on my back. Any good alternatives please?

[@trzynastywojownik]

What about quad stretch while standing on one leg? Saw many runners doing that

[@rebeccar1036]

I do #1 to stretch hips and psoas …. Is there an alternative to safely stretch the psoas? Many I see online are somewhat complicated. I double check with my PT on things I see online but am always looking for smarter ways to stay strong

[@HT-Physio]

Hi there - I have the following videos on the hips and the psoas muscle which may be of interest! kzbin.info/www/bejne/hKSmomxuqatqn9k kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5Olkmp8qbCLb8U kzbin.info/www/bejne/n6mkfn6tm6ean68 kzbin.info/www/bejne/kKCteWmEoq6eo80 kzbin.info/www/bejne/pIasYad9hb55oc0

[@rebeccar1036]

@@HT-Physio Perfect, thank you so very much for replying 🙂

[@MyRackley]

Tommy Cooper joke: 'I went to the doctor. I said: "It hurts when I do this . . . . " He said: "Well don't do it then!". 🤣

[@annashiegl]

😅😅

[@RosieRosepeddle]

I use to sit on the floor legs straight with toes to the ceiling. I would then bring legs out to the sides. If I didn't feel the stretch I would then lean forward with my back straight. Is that good or bad for over 50?

[@da480]

Am laughing at myself… I’m 53 and have been doing 1,2,4 stretches for the last 2 years before my gym workout… I feel comfortable doing them but am thinking now if I should reconsider

[@billbillards569]

They have a machine available now to do the split stretch while you are sitting. It's an MMA stretch machine.

[@tjdevon0092]

Really interesting, all those stretches are part of our over 50s yoga class 😬 I can do them and have no issues but many ladies can't.

[@rebeccar1036]

Same, especially the forward fold. But I make sure to bend at the hips with a straight back.

[@loganmedia1142]

What about stretching the quad while standing on one leg and pulling the other leg up behind? That's how I've always done it. Even when young that split stretch can result in injury.

[@serenity8475]

🙏🏼🙌🏻

[@kharesmursalim2838]

❤😊

[@Choppini]

#1 when doing ANY exercise is: DO NOT JUST WEAR SOCKS!! Wear some sort of runners with thin soles, not some slobby, loose socks. Glad you found it out, eventually. SMH.

[@zchannel5973]

Well I'm 56yrs old and I do the splits laterally with minimal training. You want to know how I do it? Easy, I just do the opposite of what ever the Main stream Medical authorities advise. Simple formula. In fact I reckon I could possibly beat you in a 100m sprint young man. :-)

[@MrTeff999]

Good info. But please. On future videos, you don’t need to three introductions.

[@apvergis]

Really great. Learnt something new. Thanks

[@HT-Physio]

That's great to hear!