5 Bad Habits that Cause Pain & Stiffness (Ages 50+)

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(Amazon Affiliate links) To subscribe to 3-Tip Friday, Will's free weekly email where he shares his best health tips, new videos and fascinating research, go here: info.ht-physio.co.uk/3tf To get a copy of Will's new book, Thriving Beyond Fifty, you can find it on Amazon below:
UK link: amzn.to/3mAISFv
US link: amzn.to/3J1ACGi
(Amazon Affiliate links)
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In this episode, Farnham's leading over-50's physiotherapist, Will Harlow, reveals 5 bad habits that cause pain and stiffness for people over the age of fifty!
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...
To get in touch about sponsorships or promos, send a message to: [e-mail]
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...

[@friendlybill6109]

The Five Bad Habits 1. Sitting for to long - get up and move after 30 minutes 2. Over reliance on Ergonomic Chairs - alternate between chair and standing or some other position. 3. Allowing yourself to sit in a rounded posture - change position periodically 4. Using hands to get in and out of a chair - use legs only 5. Holding breath during movement - keep breathing and time your exhale Thanks Will

[@microbehunter7584]

😢 I do all of these!

[@rosek.9797]

Thank you

[@deanframe9095]

And number 6 get that book! 🎉😂

[@user-oy4ct1kl6p]

Thank you !!!

[@LucitaBrown]

Thank you!!

[@MarthaM-xq6sv]

So nice to see a lovely young lad specialising in us over 50s. Very inspiring, respectful and supportive - not to mention very helpful - life changing even. Thanks

[@FP65]

Agree.

[@gwwayner]

The bottom line is that our bodies start to fall apart after age 45 and consistent proper posture and regular moderate exercise can slow the decline. Now 74 with RA in my legs for the last 30 years I still mountain bike regularly even in the winter with the help of a biologic. Sometimes we need to push through a little pain to keep the muscles strong and not lose the range of motion. Getting older sucks and all we can do is make the best of it!

[@rodbenson5879]

Yep.

[@mikikoks2625]

the only professional and accurate KZbin channel dealing with this topic is yours Thank you for all the videos

[@Donnamg100]

Falling asleep on the couch is also killer, lol

[@robertjohnston8876]

Great video. I was an airline pilot flying long haul for many years I sat hour after hour after hour I also wrestled with a bad back. Now in retirement I am pain free. Sitting can be deadly Also. I got colon cancer at 53. It is very frequently found in long haul truck drivers and pilots. I likely had it for years earlier but not detected. So. Move move move. Don’t sit hour after hour. Thanks Will. 🇨🇦

[@joescheller6680]

I'm a long haul trucker for over 50 years. Sat most if that time. Only had one colonautsophy and it was very good said I needed any follow up for over 10 years if then at my digression

[@gildasomia3461]

Sorry to hear

[@songbyrrd4138]

I feel like I just found a goldmine! Thank you for teaching us seniors how to be more aware, alert, and safe with our movements!😊

[@EdenLWhite]

Your videos are SO helpful! It's like having my very own personal PT specialist. Thank you for sharing your expertise.

[@HT-Physio]

Always happy to help!

[@krishnavenipanikker5065]

Me too

[@geraldbrady5860]

Hi will, my wife found your videos the other day and told that I should watch them as she has being telling me that my posture and a lot other pain I am getting in my lower back and hip is due to the bad habits I have got into. I am so glad I have watched your latest video as I believe it will help with both the posture and the pain I have in my left hip which was caused by a fall I had back in March 2023. (both my hips have now been replaced over the last 5 years). I still have the pain in the hip which is taking a very long time to get better. Mind you, at the age of 83 (in January - next year as I write this) it is probably not surprising that it is taking a long time to heal!! I am so glad that I have found your channel and thank you again.

[@paulboegel8009]

Fantastic advice. Sitting too long is punishment when you age .

[@drziggyabdelmalak1439]

Just discovered you, Will. I'm 70, used to dance etc...but still as one ages [and with a bit of arthritis now, mainly in hip] the old body still ceases up. I do simply stretching [standing and on my back on the floor] every morning but am realising I'm sitting too much at times [doesn't help with a crap sofa and aging mattress] and not walking enough in the Winter months. Thanks for the videos - they are really helping and encouraging me.

[@mistermylo8607]

After having hip and back pain for months, I invested in a Perfect Sleeper hybrid mattress with an adjusting frame. All the difference in the world!

[@user-de9hr4uc6u]

I 66 with the hump over posture I have muscles spasms when I walk or stand at I feel tired after 1min of this but we moved and I have an challenging climbing 12 steps a day so far I'm not gasping for breath it just the bent over posture going up the steps my blood pressure is good I do rest after the stairs challenge

[@thecatholicunschooler6507]

This man is a great teacher. Very knowledgeable mr what a great way for us to understand. Thank you for all this helpful info. He’s so handsome too!

[@MrPippo2012]

I agree with all of them exept the age. Those habits should apply on everybody. Deterioration doesn't start at 50, it starts when we stop using our body. As a fysio I see all these changes already at 12_15y old clients 😞

[@lesliemaitland3551]

You are so right! You look at the poor posture of the u der 50s, and you think our presenter should do a series on Fit Under 50!

[@janetbradbury727]

At 79 and fairly active, I thought I was doing alright, but your videos are making me realise that there are exercises I need to do and things I need to avoid doing in order to stay active into my 80s and hopefully beyond that. Thank you so much. I love the way you explain everything. So very much better than the videos where some young slim woman is leaping about all over the place to loud music 😊

[@HT-Physio]

I'm so pleased my videos have offered some useful and practical advice - there's no point me making content that doesn't actually benefit the people who give their time to watch!

[@wg8859]

Yes!!

[@radhikasuresh9273]

I love your practical, no-nonsense approach. Sound advice and a wealth of information with no gimmicks.

[@SnartNik]

Will, I am in New Mexico. I've purchased your books, watch every video, try to follow all your recommendations, and recommend your channel to all my friends. I'm even giving your book as Christmas presents. I just wish you practiced here instead of across the pond. Your videos are always spot on and articulate. Thank you very much.

[@HT-Physio]

Thank you so much for your continued support - I wish I could be everywhere at once, but hopefully my work can be of use to people who I can't reach!

[@momienmohamed7752]

Thanks doc good stuff I learnt

[@momienmohamed7752]

I have lot hurt 3falls having physoi.I can walk lots of pain's.

[@bowler8]

In NM too

[@jangriffin-fi1yx]

Agree move as much as possible instead of sitting for too long but pace yourself.

[@user-bk7fy3te9k]

I am working on exactly these issues now and understand so much better why I have been constantly compounding my bad habits and creating my own aches and pains for the last 2-3 years. I have all of these bad habits and have had them for decades but have off set them by my long term active, athletic lifestyle. I did not get COVID but became very sedentary due to the new lifestyle caused by it. I went from being very active 3 years ago (cutting my own large yard of grass, exercising on a stationary bike, doing yoga, resistance training, etc.) to sitting almost all day. I did not notice over several years that I was losing most of the muscles that I had had all of my life as an athlete and fitness conscious person. WOW! When I tried to do Yoga, I could not life my body one inch off the floor! I was, however, enjoying lots of computer time and catching up on much reading that I barely had time to do before. This podcast is just exactly what I needed! Although doing much of what you suggested, I was not doing nearly enough repetitions and am shocked to see how I was compounding my bad habits and pretty much neutralizing much of the good stretching, etc. that I was doing. This is probably the most enlightening video I have ever watched!!!! Thank you for putting it all together for me and for many others I am sure. This is the number one video that everyone should watch when they first try to figure out why they have an ongoing fight with aches and pains everyday! Because much of what we do is by habit and although I knew I had some of these bad habits, I simply had no idea of how much negative or counter productive habits I was hanging onto. I know from doing yoga how important breathing is but I hate to concentrate on breathing when all I want to do is concentrate on the stretching, etc. I know how important diaphragmatic breathing is but I have been shallow breathing all of my life and it is just easier and simpler. THANKS SO MUCH FOR THIS HIGHLY ENLIGHTENING VIDEO. I THINK IT IS A GAME CHANGER!

[@HT-Physio]

Thank you so much for your comment! I agree it's very easy to get into bad habits, but so beneficial to establish healthy and proper habits instead. Keep up the great work and happy holidays!

[@wednesday6127]

There are a lot of us who allowed those years of changes to slow us down goodbye covid the Chine se virus the sweet and sour sniffles

[@user-bk7fy3te9k]

Thank you! @@HT-Physio

[@DEIDREROG]

Excellent video. I’ve been doing ergonomic consultation work for almost 30 years. I’m also a RN (Nurse Ergonomist) & see these bad habits all the time. I was impressed with how you described the correct way to get in and out of a chair which I learned to do both when doing the Alexander method as well as Biofeedback. I also appreciated your mentioning how awkward neck postures can relate to vision issues..

[@andrewruddy962]

Will, for me , you have explained my experince / problem and also a remedy. I am now working on it. Thank you for taking the time and sharing. Andrew, Seattle.

[@josephtein3835]

Thank you. Nice, helpful information.

[@novaterra5092]

Very helpful advice, thank you!

[@elwynelvy]

I just found you. I'm 54 I really don't feel any stiffness in my body and I'd like to keep it that way. So this is great!!

[@tommac21]

You dont have to do all of these. Just stretch. I'm 59. With 3 back surgeries both knees operated on. And I just stretch everyday. Also I walk a lot. I try for 15000 steps a day. You'll be fine

[@highvolumepls]

Thank you Will, Happy new year, keep happy and fit😊😊

[@dianasegur4343]

Very helpful! Thanks so much and happy new year:)

[@sandradring6265]

Thanks for the advice..love you videos so I’ve just ordered your book. Thank you👍

[@theodavies8754]

Thanks for taking the time to make content.

[@ancaryan]

Great tips. Thanks.

[@jimkeogh8552]

Outstanding video. The stretches and controlled breathing just practiced while watching the video provided instant relief. Thank you and subscribed!

[@prakashmungekar3119]

Thanks . Nice information, super effective for me .

[@mariammunir6349]

Thanks for sharing important information with people

[@olga1_____30]

Thanks for all this great advice.

[@annephilomenamoore8758]

Wonderful.Thanks very much God bless you. Happy New Year

[@user-de9hr4uc6u]

Great advice about Breathing I notice I do this all the time thanks I will practice this ASSIGNMENT Doc

[@robinhood007]

Good stuff. Thanks. 👍

[@jlamont2367]

Thank you, Will. I appreciate you!! Merry Christmas and a healthy Happy New Year!

[@HT-Physio]

Merry Christmas to you also!

[@shivadizayin]

Great video. Thanks for the info .

[@brettbarager9101]

I have 2 of these bad habits . . . Correcting these two made it worth watching the vid! Thanks!!

[@Jojotonks]

Will’s are the best videos I’ve seen - practical, doable and clearly explained. I’m nearly 80 and am so pleased to have found them. I’ve also bought his book, which has the same clear explanations for key exercises for different joint problems. I’ve had neck problems and the tip about looking at phone and screens nailed my bad habits! His video about thoracic extension was also a revelation. I’ve bought a foam roll and I hope that exercise will help undo the stiffness along my spine and in my rib cage that I’ve had since open-heart surgery a few years ago. Thank you Will,

[@sophieamirian6726]

THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH ❤ VERY IMPORTANT AND USEFUL SUBJECT ❤ WE LOVE YOU WILL ❤❤❤❤

[@tinapeters5725]

On again,Thank you you advice is excellent and simple to follow 💐

[@j.b.abraham4175]

Oops. I hold my breath all the time. Even when I'm brushing my teeth, I don't know why. I'm surprised I've never passed out. However, it was a great tip to be aware of. Thank you.

[@user-ov4wr5yu4r]

Right! It's so common.

[@melvinandmariemorrison2196]

I do the same thing!

[@HT-Physio]

You're very welcome - it's always something to be mindful of!

[@lucycliburn2344]

Ever since I was a little kid, I wouldn’t realize I was holding my breath until I started to get dizzy.

[@lloyannehurd]

My family would yell “breathe.” I wasn’t aware I wasn’t breathing! I really noticed a difference when I was exercising and I took deep breaths. I have no idea why I held my breath so often.

[@lucillachan1712]

Thank you very much for the advice.👍👍👍💪🏻💪🏻💪🏻

[@nayanaramesh47]

Great help. Many Thank you ❤❤❤❤

[@CC-vw1cs]

Great tips thank you !

[@Steve-nh6kk]

Great tips! Thanks!

[@googoo554]

Love yr videos Will! Much gratitude, thank you!

[@suwarnananoti7542]

Very useful tips ! Thank you !

[@louisegunn2323]

Thanks Will. Am starting these exercises right after Christmas. Wishing you a merry Christmas and a happy and healthy new year. 🦘🦘🇦🇺🇦🇺🌏🌏

[@HT-Physio]

Merry Christmas to you too!

[@jayanthiramadas2713]

Thank you. I will correct my mistakes.

[@stw0513]

Such a practical, helpful video! Thank you so much for these sorts of tips!

[@HT-Physio]

Always happy to help!

[@j.arevalo4461]

You Sr are simply the best! Thank you for your concise and helpful videos. I just received your book from Amazon and look forward to reading it soon. Best

[@HT-Physio]

Thank you for your support! Merry Christmas to you

[@lovelearn5158]

Fabulous explanations , thanks! I'm going to keep one of my stretch bands by my work laptop and put the timer on for 30 minutes intervals , which then tells me to have a stretchy break!

[@HT-Physio]

Great plan!

[@RetrieverTrainingAlone]

2:16 hip flexor stretch is same position as reverse lunge exercise, so stretch, then reverse lunges, the stretch and cool-down. I am 67 years old and for me fish oil tablets have substantially reduced any joint stiffness.

[@lesliemaitland3551]

Ergonomic chairs, and upholstered chairs: my mother and grandmother said 'a lady' only ever sat in a straight back chair, with their back never ever touching the back. Shoulders back, chin up. Maybe they did this for fashion's sake, but the result was neither ever had back orneck pain.

[@CyndiWatkins]

Like on Downton Abbey! 👍

[@davidr27100]

Excellent!!😊

[@gonumvengethasamy8654]

Very helpful tip which we get into thanks so much

[@lathadavid870]

Great Bill. You are a gift to elders.

[@bevwest7428]

Thanks Will! That was very helpful!

[@HT-Physio]

Always happy to help

[@baptizehouse]

Thanks for sharing this. I recently discovered your channel. I'll be implementing these immediately. Thanks sincerely for all you do, James

[@HT-Physio]

Thank you for your kind comment, I'm so pleased my video was helpful! Wishing you all the best :)

[@cheryl1909]

❤THANK YOU SIR

[@mmwrightness]

Learned a thing! No more pushing out of chair! So obvious! Thanks

[@rajamkasiviswanathan8439]

Bery nice video snd very useful / Thanks a lot. Happy New year 2024.

[@janetblanc7658]

Thank you so much my dear. As an 80 year old I'm probably guilty of all five and, yes, I'm pretty stiff. New Year's Resolution- limber up.

[@marieschmidt9416]

Great info!

[@HT-Physio]

Thank you!

[@AliWade1971]

Fantastic video.

[@phanicefadum9060]

Thnx, love your videos ❤

[@neleig]

Thank you.

[@myrachurchman5013]

Thank you Will, very helpful.

[@HT-Physio]

You're very welcome

[@christinegerard4974]

Thankyou very much for this so smart tips ! From France .

[@samip5734]

Amazing video. So beneficial. You are so clearly spoken . So clearly explained. Many thanks. You are of tremendous help to me. I will be starting immediately

[@HT-Physio]

Thank you so much for your kind words - wishing you all the very best :)

[@clairepollard6424]

So pleased to find this video . . . I have been off work for a week with back and lower body muscle pain ( my diagnosis ) and will try these exercises to see if they help . . Thank you

[@reemaislam8748]

Very helpful....thanks a lot!❤

[@HT-Physio]

You're very welcome

[@angelaspielbusch1237]

Very helpful ❤

[@beachestoranchesrealestate2798]

I am enjoying learning all of your tips. Now to focus on making a shift. Thank you

[@dolphinschild62]

Thank you. Having fibromyalgia I noticed I sat to keep from hurting, now the sitting caused more pain. So I'm getting up and moving more. Right now I'm crocheting a sweater so I have to remember to get up and move. Sitting does hurt.

[@user-wf5uf4xe3l]

Very relevant methods. Great thanks 🙏🙏

[@HT-Physio]

Very happy to help!

[@childearth4039]

A great service.

[@skylineuk1485]

Great video, got the book recently too!

[@pookah9938]

Fantastic!

[@chrislora8895]

Wow! Two gems-land like a feather (never thought of that but will do it now!) and breath holding triggers alarms in the muscles. The first I will do and the second not! Very very helpful tips. Please continue to share your knowledge. Thank you!

[@HT-Physio]

Always happy to help!

[@ronsimmsfan2661]

This is an awesome channel

[@odjy]

Thanks a lot Will for this one more very helpful video! One question please: I have been doing the hip flexor exercise you mentioned for a while and I was wondering how recommended it is for a week L4 L5 disc? mine has been herniated twice, and while it's now supposed to have recovered, I can feel it playing a bit tricky when I do this exercise. Maybe I perform it wrongly? Cheers.

[@stephenraatz2598]

You’re tips are amazing. Thank you so much. I just ordered your book!

[@HT-Physio]

Vary happy to help! Thank you for purchasing my book - I hope you find it packed full of interesting and helpful tips :)

[@annehat4833]

Well you got sucked in ....lol

[@matthewkennedy6213]

Hi, Will. I really love your videos and find 90% of them personally informative and helpful. My problem though is if I took your advice in every video, I think I’d have no time for anything else in my day. It’d be really great if you could produce a variety lists (programs) for people with differing common interests or problems. For example, as someone that likes to walk a lot, a balanced selection of the most beneficial exercises from your videos would be great. Thanks.

[@soumyasundaram1628]

Very helpful lad

[@differentstrokkes]

Thanks for the tips! Subscribed

[@HT-Physio]

Thank you for your support!

[@martinsimpson5883]

Very good thank you 👌

[@gildasomia3461]

Awesome 👍

[@borisviolin633]

The breathing tip is the best, I can now do your exercises correctly whereas before I stiffened up beforehand. Thanks a million 😀

[@elkepool3861]

you really produce great videos, thank you and I liked the tip about the breath.

[@HT-Physio]

So glad it was helpful!

[@deeptimukesh3252]

You make such excellent content....God bless you... small small tips have helped me in so many ways

[@HT-Physio]

It's my pleasure to be able to help - and absolutely, small steps in a very important journey!

[@stephenraybrown]

Thanks for the always helpful advice. I have a question regarding item #5 holding your breath while lifting. My strength training when younger was when squatting or deadlifting to take a deep breath before squatting or pulling, exhaling on the way back up or down. I used to lift a bit so realize I am probably holding my breath when swatting down or lifting something. I am wondering if I need to try to correct it. Cheers!

[@simev500]

So one spends hundreds, sometimes a thousand$, for a too-supportive ergonomic chair only to find it does more harm than good. Too comfy for your own good. In my experience, either one lies flat while immobile or keep it moving regularly once you rise from bed. The body was never designed for posing still. T'is why we have all these flexible joints🙃😁

[@TheEno71]

Love how you explain everything , so easy to understand

[@HT-Physio]

So pleased you found my video helpful!

[@sircharles7323]

Very good advice, I am only afraid there are 500 bad habits left 🤪

[@HT-Physio]

A little is better than nothing!

[@sircharles7323]

@@HT-Physio You are right. I still have a problem finding a practical solution for a timer saying "30 min´s gone, 1 hour gone. It should be very easy to start, not loud (office). Problems: -forgetting to set -runs off, you don´t stop immediately, after a few minutes you have forgotten about it (no break, no new setting) -problems of setting and doing breaks rapidly go up, if you have a tight task list, pressure to finish a work and so on. So if there would be an intelligent product helping (but without annoying), this would be interesting to know. Kind Regards and Thank you for your help here on YT.

[@wg8859]

I use the alarm on my iPhone for many reminders. Helpful… although it IS easy to forget once I’m distracted by other stuff.

[@sircharles7323]

@@wg8859 Yes, that is the core problem. "They" always tell us, that it is only a matter of "time management", "work life balance", "bla, bla, bla". In my experience the only way that works is to have the focus on our true nature of human being, to be healthy and happy and balanced. I am only afraid a western life style in general has really nothing in common with that.

[@robdixson196]

I have gotten in the habit of not only not using my arms getting up, but i pause a moment at the botom. The thing is it is not usually you are too weak to get up, it is you are working in that awkward end bit of range where your strength falls off drastically. You naturally avoid it because it feels like crap. When you choose to reclaim it it is almost like turning back the years.

[@deanframe9095]

Love the book! Bought some for friend

[@helenfanegan1102]

Thank you so much.

[@HT-Physio]

You're welcome