5 Key Stretches to Unlock Flexibility (Ages 50+)

[@Ru-1628]

I used to be an active person who exercised a fair bit. Mainly walking. I had very bad back pain during the pandemic due to sitting too much and walking on uneven concrete terrain near my neighbourhood. Consulted many chiropractors and a physiotherapist whom I still use. But they did not help much with improving the pain. At times, their suggestions backfired. I also followed many KZbin tutorials, with the approval of my physiotherapist, to help with my recovery. But my only improvement was from being unable to walk much to being able to walk for a while before the back pain and other muscle constrictions hindered me. Having followed your videos for one week and religiously doing the exercises my back pain has almost completely disappeared. So have my knee and shoulder pain. You are a very good & patient teacher who is willing to learn and improve, like us 😂. You probably read all your viewers comments bc in your more recent videos, you included variations & options for different situations. Together with helpful explanations. Your video quality is much better and you even included an insert to show other angles. I truly appreciate your effort and sincerity in helping older folks get a better quality of life through improved mobility. Thank you so much and keep up the good work!

[@HT-Physio]

I am so pleased to hear that my videos have offered you such drastic relief, that is fantastic news! It definitely goes both ways, I'm always willing to listen and learn! I am thankful that my viewers have stuck with me whilst I try new things and work out what works best - it's important to keep learning and adapting as we go! Wishing you all the best :)

[@helenamcginty4920]

For years I used stretches recommended by nhs physios. The local nhs physios introduced a 'back school'. They showed us how to do them properly. Also a modified aerobic session eg not jogging on the spot but walking raising knees high. Also a short session using different exercises one after the other. I did the stretches every am and pm as recomended. It got me through 20 years of working as a carer/nurse/gardener with a quite badly damaged back following an accident. Ive got lazy over the years since retirement and am paying for that in aches😂😂 So back to this video. This chap is excellent isnt he.

[@pardumankahlon5946]

Thnx for your professional and thoroughness in explanation in stretches

[@HT-Physio]

Thank you for your kind comment!

[@Victorsbzh]

1:50 Calf stretch (30 secs each side) 4:00 Hip flexor stretch (30 secs each side) 2-3 times a day 8:20 Quad stretch (30 secs each side) a few times a day 11:20 Stretching lower back. Several times a day. 13:30 Child's pose (5-10 secs in various positions)

[@reneeelizabeth302]

The 12% who do subscribe watch every time i view your podcast I watch the likes and views increase! You are certainly doing something right!

[@HT-Physio]

Thank you so much!

[@carolesimone5221]

Thank you so much. I am 73 and had a tumble last year, which damaged my spin in two areas. Your classes have thought me EVERYTHING I need to do when I am at the gym or at home. You are awesome.

[@HT-Physio]

I'm sorry to hear about your fall, that must have been a nasty experience - I'm pleased my videos have been able to offer some helpful information to aid your recovery! Wishing you all the best :)

[@MunimCompany]

Thank you SO MUCH for all the detail you provide in your perfect videos! You're such a gem💎👌

[@HT-Physio]

You are so welcome!

[@lunasky5635]

Will, i am sorry you have shoulder injuries. But that helps me a lot because you are careful with movements that may cause shoulder pain and it shows that even young, athletic people can have injuries and need to take care with their exercise. I see so many youtube channels that are careless and cavalier about the possibility of further injury. One “yoga” channel recommended to me by a physical therapist started with a couple of minutes of full neck rolls. Followed by sets of full shoulder “rolls”. Ouch! Fortunately a more competent PT taught me half-circle neck rolls (chin down to chest, Roll to make a smile. Head back, make a rainbow). And i never do any movement that causes pain. That eliminates most yoga routines, unfortunately. I am a subscriber. Thank you for these videos!

[@HT-Physio]

Thank you for your comment - I agree, it is so important not to push ourselves beyond the limits of our body, more is not always better! Thank you for subscribing, I hope my videos can offer some practical and safe exercises for your routine :)

[@janarleth9811]

I saw your video on the thoracic stretch on a foam roller about a year ago along with getting off the floor and I still do them both almost every day and bonus- I opt to get on the floor to retrieve something instead of waiting for help. I’m not afraid of getting on the floor anymore! I will always be grateful to you for your video instruction.

[@HT-Physio]

That is absolutely fantastic to hear - it is great to hear such fantastic success stories and to hear that you have regained your confidence with these movements! Keep up the great work :)

[@SueEllen-db1cy]

Three of those streches really help me with my knee problems. Thanks a lot! I always enjoy watching your videos.

[@HT-Physio]

That's great to hear I'm so pleased they've helped and I'm so pleased you enjoy my videos!

[@a.mustanz]

Hi, since I was in grade five, I have been running, walking, and doing calisthenics. Now I'm 62 years old, and in the last two years, I have been having trouble in my lower back and legs. I started doing all the exercises you have posted in your videos, and I am benefiting from them. Thank you.

[@HT-Physio]

I'm so pleased to hear you've been benefiting from my exercises, keep up the great work!

[@a.mustanz]

@@HT-Physio Thank you.

[@jerrodsix545]

Thanks for these stretch suggestions. I am going to add them to my daily workout routine.

[@HT-Physio]

Wishing you all the best!

[@fen0000]

Thank you as always Will. Your exercises are so helpful. Very generous of you to spend so much time on your videos.

[@HT-Physio]

So pleased to hear they're helpful - and thank you for watching, that's what makes my work possible!

[@jenniferlayton3067]

You explain the exercises and the benefits so very clearly. Thank you.

[@janerogers5717]

Your explanations and demos are so good and helpful, thank you.

[@HT-Physio]

So pleased they're helpful!

[@gerrywatson261]

Thank you for the great tips Will - just what I needed!

[@HT-Physio]

More than happy to help!

[@jeanniefletcher9937]

Will - love your videos - they really make a difference and BTW - you're an excellent teacher! Your video on three key stretches is wonderful and I think for all of your sessions would be great for people under 50 too to get or keep in shape and avoid the later potential problems. Thank you for such an excellent resource.

[@robertjohnston8876]

Another great video Many thanks from Canada Got your book and recommend it to others. Keep the videos coming Will🇨🇦

[@HT-Physio]

Thank you for supporting my videos and my book - I'm pleased you've enjoyed it! Thank you for sharing my work - warm greetings to you in Canada!

[@joeburinskas8672]

Boy do I need this! Thanks!

[@HT-Physio]

I hope it's helpful!

[@joeburinskas8672]

@@HT-Physio Definitely noticing the hip exercise helping. I've always been bad at stretching and need to work these into my daily routine.

[@nexussever]

I love your videos. This one showed me how to push the stretches that I have been doing, with much success, to a higher level.

[@HT-Physio]

That's great to hear I'm so pleased it was helpful!

[@pushpakumardaniel3751]

The exercises recommended by you are helpful. I'm noticing a slight ease of climbing and a slight improvement in walking speed.

[@HT-Physio]

So pleased to hear you're noticing a difference!

[@BoppityBoopy]

Thank you! Happy Easter!

[@HT-Physio]

Same to you!

[@TnOrchidguy]

Thank you, Mr. Will, thank you.

[@HT-Physio]

You're most welcome!

[@PL-ev2mw]

Im 73 this year and have two (L1 & L2) compressed vertebre, any chance you can put up a video to help ease this type of injury or point me to one you have already posted please. Really appreciate all your efforts for us old un’s. 👍👏🏻

[@lucillachan1712]

Thank you .Very useful stretches.👍👍💪🏻💪🏻

[@HT-Physio]

So pleased they are helpful!

[@krisano1prsn]

The sitting lumbar flexon felt amazing, great stretch!

[@HT-Physio]

So pleased it helped!

[@Toby-l3d]

TrueType enjoy your suggestions! I work them into my morning’s. Stretches!

[@martingorgeous9371]

Hi Will The last stretch I call “My little piece of heaven “ because it is quite a comforting pose Btw I really love your way of explaining all the different poses and options and I’m saving up to buy your book soon Kind regards from sunny South Africa Martin

[@fogums]

Excellent post. I’ve been doing your stretches and the shoulder clicking has stopped. Thank you for your invaluable videos.

[@HT-Physio]

That's great to hear I'm so pleased my video has helped!

[@EdenLWhite]

Thank you Will. Another very helpful video!

[@HT-Physio]

So pleased I could help :)

[@ReallyJillRogoff]

Love this. Well done, both of you, for keeping your humour. Am relatively new to patchwork and have been wanting to make a flying geese quilt. This has given me a better idea of how much is involved.

[@wandagaiardelli3668]

Thank you Will, your videos and explanations are concise and to the point. I really enjoy them and learn so much

[@dlb1911967]

I'm new to your videos, but I have to say that they're proving to be really helpful. I have lower back pain that requires doing stretches quite regularly. Thank you. You're doing a great service for us over 50's. Truly appreciate what you're doing! Subscribed 👍👍

[@HT-Physio]

Thank you so much for subscribing - I'm so pleased my videos have been able to offer helpful and practical suggestions!

[@alyzu4755]

Thank you for this. I'm 55 and have been working out since I was a kid. In the last 2 years I've lost a lot of strength and flexibility. ☹️

[@robertq55403]

Will, these are great stretch exercises! Thank you very much for showing and explaining the different positions!

[@HT-Physio]

So pleased you like them - I'm glad I can be of help!

[@angelareimann6433]

Thanks for explaining the child's pose variations. Now I can be precise. I knew it felt useful.

[@MrYorickJenkins]

I thought the calf stretch (first exercise) was a doddle until I looked more closely and realised that I was doing it wrongly. If you look closely at Will Harlow's feet, you will see that they are both planted on the ground, whereas when I did it first, the foot of my outstretched leg was raised up, so only the front of my foot stayed on the ground. That makes it easy, too easy..:) Doing it with both feet flat on the ground and the sole not raised is another ball (of the foot excuse pun!) game and I could feel quite a stretch. I thought I should point it out-doing the exercise with the entire foot on the ground is how he is doing it and if you do it like that, then you feel the stretch!

[@elisem371]

Do you have an alternative hip flexor stretch for people with pelvic floor issues? I'm really enjoying your videos.

[@lyndasoar4345]

Really like these stretches, some u've shown previously & 3-5 I have done before from, intermittent, keep fit/yoga classes' over the years ... I followed u on the vid & found it good to go over techniques/goals of each stretch. These stretches; your strengthening upper body(arm) exercises; + my own 2min deep breathing routine(- I feel like my general oap breathing is shallower than it used to b??) are my current daily task & I'm v happy with results. Thank you. (I'm much better at exercises for 50+ than I am for 55+ ... hahaha ... nb I do think every age group could benefit from the above stretches - am/pm 5 min 'uplifting' routine)

[@josiejj8894]

Hi PT Will, can you please share your video exercise for the touch foot on the cups on the floor, just bought some cups to do this exercise . I found that exercise will be very helpful for me. My apologies for troubling you, thank you so much . God Bless you!

[@debcatz8445]

If you can't kneel are there alternates

[@christinalucas246]

Brilluant as always❤

[@kamauwikeepa7308]

Wow! I love these exercises, I remember as a child I used to sleep with my bottom in the air, now it would appear to have some benefit. I do participate in exercises with a senior age group, ranging from 70 upward. I discovered that I do have a few problems which I tend to hide. Now however, i realize I'm not alone and have changed my attitude toward the inevitable. I suppose this is what can be called, aging gracefully. Thanks immensely, your friend from New Zealand.

[@hassanscottodierno9284]

Your videos are great. Does your book have an integrated plan for exercises to do daily or weekly to incorporate all of these?

[@starr234]

Great stretches! Thank you!

[@HT-Physio]

Happy to help!

[@janeshipley6993]

hi, will - i love your videos. is there any chance that your book will be offered in digital form on amazon? your delivery is part of what’s wonderful about your videos, so i think that your reading the book for buyers would even further advance sales while making things on our end much easier and even more pleasant. keep up the great work!

[@HT-Physio]

Thank you for your kind comment - I am currently working on providing different forms of media, so maybe this will be an option in the future!

[@danaevans3862]

Hi Will, my name is Dana Evans and I live in NYC. Do you have thoughts regarding the dropping of one’s head when curling down; the relaxing of the neck; gentle nodding and turning to-and-fro; and the slow resumption of verticality with the even slower lifting of the head? It’s part of my balance work, especially when I do this downward curl on two feet. I’m 70-yrs old and an enthusiastic mover and follower of your presentations. Regards.

[@CosmicBreadcrumbs999]

Just picked up your book. And I love your channel.

[@HT-Physio]

Thank you for supporting my book, I hope you find it interesting and learn some interesting tips!

[@danscott-portland4122]

Excellent!

[@emilympiti5131]

Very good stretches and easy

[@HT-Physio]

That's great to hear!

[@dianehuntley2493]

Thanks Will! 😊

[@HT-Physio]

Happy to help!

[@susanfalcon8716]

Hi Will, I find kneeling a bit painful. Is there alternative? Thank you for these videos

[@hiroomotwani7232]

Thanks 👍

[@lovemypups341]

Thank you !

[@HT-Physio]

You're welcome!

[@user-gingermop]

Great stretches. Particularly liked the variations on the child pose.

[@HT-Physio]

Pleased it was helpful!

[@smaragdavolidis9327]

Thanks for your valuable advice always!!!

[@HT-Physio]

My pleasure!

[@cilla5277]

Hi Will, great videos and exercises. On the one before the last how quickly does one come up? Thanks, Cilla

[@DoubleKnotSpy-q4k]

Is it advisable to warm up the muscles before stretching in the morning ?What would be the minimum warm up to optimize results ?

[@pushpakumardaniel3751]

In a video of an orphanage, the narrator said that children rocking back and forth in the child position is a symptom of neglect.

[@Torontogal777]

Great video! 👍🏿👍🏿👍🏿

[@acornsucks2111]

This man has perfected the art of turning a 6 minute video into 17 minutes.

[@noziphomngoma469]

I need these for im suffering when stand up leg lock up and muscles of the thigh bones really im stressed

[@lafamillecarrington]

Is there any reason not to do standing quad stretches? They're good for the balance as well as getting that intense stretch. Re. the lower back stretch, I have some nerve impingement (?) which leads to numbness in my feet. I have been told that touching your toes from standing can make this worse. Is this exercise better, and do you recommend 'flossing'?

[@DeniseJantzen-d3e]

As a 63 year old woman- I just subscribed to his channel and bought his book. I was surprised to see the low number of subscribers vs viewers. Please consider subscribing to his channel as a show of support and compensation for Will’s time and effort in producing these videos. Is so grateful to have access to this channel.

[@HT-Physio]

Hi there! Thank you so much for your kind comment, your support, and for purchasing my book. I hope you've found my book packed with interesting content! I'm sending best wishes your way and I really appreciate you for taking the time to comment :)

[@SusanHaydon-kp1jc]

Love this stretching video. Really feel good afterwards. 👍

[@lanceschmidt28]

the stretches are great. I do have problems with the stretches for the lower back and anything that makes my head go lower than my heart. When I finish the stretch and go back to the erect position, I risk fainting from orthostatic hypotension. I find the slower I come out of the stretch, the less the effects.

[@helenhufford9258]

Sooooo very good

[@HT-Physio]

Thank you!

[@robertauld7106]

,I find the problem is with my knee as I am waiting to have a new knee

[@sophieamirian6726]

FANTASTIC ❤ THANKS A LOT ❤

[@ritawing1064]

If I sit right back on my heels - like the child's pose, but with the torso upright,, my quads are unbearably tight, the sensation is the same in a grand plié: what's a good way to loosen up?

[@solangiwazir7070]

How many people use internet or KZbin over 50+

[@janerogers5717]

Me, me, me

[@gigics6695]

There a LOT of US over 50’s using the internet/ THIS CHANNEL Goodness, MY CHILDREN are WAY OVER 50…. Ha ha!

[@Royally_Charmed]

Uh yes - why wouldn’t we ??

[@DarthHaathi]

I do.

[@DarthHaathi]

Over fifty is not over ninety

[@lovemypups341]

SUBCRIBE . It's simple and free. Just press subscribe button. This will help him continue to jeep this vital info available 👍

[@HT-Physio]

Thank you for your support!

[@debcatz8445]

My knees don't bend

[@magdalenelobo5377]

These exercises are for women over 50.

[@tinawelch3005]

wow!

[@MarkWillemse-gq4zs]

Hi my name is LeeAnn my have fibromyalgia my back is very sore and painful my feet are very sore and painful my toes are very sore and painful my legs are very sore and painful neck is very sore and painful my I have very sore headaches and my knees are very sore and painful please help me with my pain thank you

[@magdalenelobo5377]

Neck exercises please

[@user-wv2bn2cb1i]

Love your vids my man but at 70, there is no way I can do the 2nd exercise hip flex! I wouldn't be able to get back up !! ha ha

[@rickyelvis3215]

Just letting you know every time (most times) you start spruiking for more subs I immediately turn the video off affecting your algorithm.. you are doing very nicely with the numbers thank you and enough with the book presentation also.. don’t need to buy the book when the videos are free.. be grateful with what you have 💙 and thanks for what you do. cheers!

[@annela2887]

🙏

[@multani217]

doc talk too much show less

[@daviddonnelly2700]

Thoroughly enjoy your vids - and do the moves every day. Am a Sub. But this lower back stretch (#4) worries me. Many stretching advocates are adamant about NEVER rounding one's back/spine but to keep your back straight and move forward from the hips keeping the back straight - to never round the back (same advice regarding picking anything off the floor). Please kindly comment. Thank you.