Best Way to Improve Flexibility (NOT Stretching!)

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In this episode, Farnham's leading over-50's physiotherapist, Will Harlow, reveals a great way to improve your flexibility WITHOUT stretching!
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*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.u...

[@HT-Physio]

Thanks for watching! To subscribe to 3-Tip Friday, my free once-a-week email where I share my best health tips, new videos and fascinating research, go here: info.ht-physio.co.uk/3tf

[@elspethmyles6705]

Can I make a suggestion Will? Could you put your web address in the main section above? I think it would help people see your qualifications as a Physio and know that you are bona fide :)

[@GetMeThere1]

I'm 71. These look like EXCELLENT exercises for someone like myself. Thanks very much for making us aware of eccentric exercises!

[@eo4wellness]

Frankly, upon reading the notification for this video, and then listening to the introduction, i didn't expect it to work. Don't know why. But i didn't believe in it. But, i kept an open mind and gave it a try. Result: 1) you totally changed my mind! I could feel a huge difference on the first moves first rep! 2) more please! Now i know the effectiveness of thus, please do more videos on this topic for different muscle groups. 3) Reps? Sets? 48 hours apart? Well, truth is, it will take me a while to get there! Wow! And, i should add, I've been regularly stretching, so that most stretches are nothing fir me, my entire life! These moves are beyond "very" effective!

[@HT-Physio]

So pleased it proved to be effective for you, it's always great to keep an open mind as you never know what benefit new tricks may have!

[@Dr.sergiosemperfi]

❤

[@tareichadwick8270]

I have 3 favourite channels and this is one of them. I have ordered Will’s book 2nd time. A brilliant young man who through his program I am able to walk with my head up and and look 15 ft in front of me. Thank you Will ❤

[@char2304]

I adore this channel I'm 48, I'm a personal trainer who works in disability and aging population. Thank you for all you bring. Down to earth and straight to the point without all the personal fluff ❤

[@iainmackenzieUK]

I agree Very clear and trust worthy

[@HT-Physio]

Thank you so much for your kind comment - I'm just pleased to have the platform on which to share my work with others! Wishing you all the best in your work :)

[@dreamervanroom]

@@HT-Physio But I listen at 2x, rewinding a bit if I need to.

[@dhb702]

Thank you Will ❤ . Your channel is best channel for keeping seniors healthy and strong.

[@HT-Physio]

Thank you so much, so pleased to hear you've found my channel helpful!

[@michelekurlan2580]

Luv the idea of this type of flexability. Three legends in bodybuilding come to mind as you demo the Romanian Deadlift: *Tom Platz just bcuz he was SO over the top. Had legs like sides of beef *Mike Mentzer in terms of resting and muscle growth( not necessarily the soreness aspect as pump and soreness do not necessarily mean growth. Maxing followed by adequate rest between workouts is the recipe for laying down more meat) *Jackie Paisley was a big promoter of stretching and eccentrics for definition. Enhances blood supply to muscles

[@my59wine]

Spot on you named 3 of the finest physical specimens known to humanity, IMHO

[@elindauer]

48 yo, I’ve tried eccentric training over the past year. I feel stronger and more flexible than ever. Great advice here, definitely worth a try. Keep the muscle under tension for the whole set, and use a weight / effort that gets hard to continue around 30 seconds in. You only need a handful of sets / week to get great results. Good luck! ❤

[@artashes]

Oh Will, many years ago The San Jose Mercury in the SF Bay Area ran a "Personal Trainer" column in their paper. I would clip and save them all. This one was FOR EVERYDAY WEIGHTLIFTER, ONE SET OF REPS MAY BE ENOUGH" (i.e for the average Joe & Jane Public at Gyms). They took 2 groups going to the gym 3 days a week, 8 to 12 reps, all the major muscle groups. The first group spending 60 minutes in the Gym doing doing 3 sets per muscle group, and the second group spending only 25 minutes doing the above but ONLY doing ONE set. Guess what...the group that were doing 3 sets, in a 3 month follow-up study, BODY FAT, MUSCLE SIZE , no significant between the two groups improvement, STRENGTH & ENDURANCE, The 3 Sets groups' improvement was only 2 % better than the ONE set groups. So, they concluded we spend so much time doing 3 sets, time which we can do other fun exercises, for example, Swimming, walking, Cardio, Sports Hula Hoop or even playing Bobby Fischer Chess960. So, I do only ONE set. They listed the SOURCES as: University of Florida reported in Medicine and Science in Sports and Exercise, a journal published by the American College of Sports Medicine; REUTERS So Will, WHADOYAHTHINK?🙃🙂 I'd love to hear. Thanks in advance.

[@ava.artemis]

I’ve been working out like this and it feels amazing. I didn’t know it improved flexibility. I’m 49 and recovering from MANY injuries and this just felt like the way to go. Injuries that I’ve had for 30 years aren’t bothering me anymore, my back will let me do things I’ve avoided for 30 years. My body feels better than it did when I was 20. I haven’t been stretching and haven’t felt the need to, my body just feels good. I was primarily a runner, starting when I was 13, a cyclist, trail runner, yogi, dancer, etc. I lifted a lot in high school and college, but usually about 30 reps a set. I never developed enough strength, or the right kind of strength to prevent and rehab injuries.

[@debbiec6216]

Will Harlow you are the most compassionate person, I have ever seen. I have Gait issues; I walk like a penguin. Where my Right Hip is Weak, and my Left Hip drop . Or *Glute Medius tendon tear repair* Tomorrow, I am making an Appointment to see an Orthopedic Specialist to see Exactly what I have as far as my Right Hip.

[@HT-Physio]

I'm sorry to hear about your gait issues - I hope your appointment with the Orthopaedic Specialist helps to shed light on what you're experiencing!

[@donde2k]

That shoulder rotation exercise is surprisingly effective. Thank you!

[@kendylhoudyshell1399]

Excellent Will😊 Thanks so much!!! Always appreciate the easy to follow instructions❤

[@HT-Physio]

So pleased they've been valuable for you!

[@dezmar7144]

Terrific! I started with hamstring and found it easy. I rewatched the video and learned that I need to keep my back straight. Not so easy! Please add ankle and rlbow. Very much appreciated.

[@nekineki37]

Just one try of the shoulder exercise left me surprised at the reduction of pain in my upper arms I've been battling for a year. It's so much easier to move my arms. You're amazing

[@HT-Physio]

So pleased to hear it was so helpful!

[@nunya9740]

In one video, you hit my top problem areas! Bravo, and thank you. I’ll be scanning your library for anything on neck and upper back pain. 🙏

[@TheAndibk]

Thank you! Twenty years ago a Physiotherapist shared this type of exercise for me to focus upon, because my muscles are normally cramped and in spasm. It works!!

[@HT-Physio]

So pleased to hear it worked for you!

[@nimishajain7000]

Nice video! Do share exercises for improving flexibility of piriformis muscle and hip flexors

[@margaretgenders7539]

Three great excersises I will be trying tomorrow. I enjoy your 3 tip Friday am desperately in need of some good excersises to loosen up. I think you have given me the incentive to start! Thanks Margaret from Tasmania.

[@niahoward1920]

Hello, and Thanks again. Clear, Concise, Consistent, you are! Luving you, in an Auntie, kind of way! 🥰

[@HT-Physio]

Thank you so much!

[@michaeldiodati3819]

Will you are unbelievable brilliant smart trained most of all perhaps the most difficult first rate clear vivid sincere honest to the point orator. I don’t just watch your video and absorb everything I look forward to your next ones and tune in eagerly . I am getting your book as well recommend you to all whom I know. Great job great job. Keep it up . Michael Diodati

[@gailsykes2691]

Thank you for the shoulder exercise. My GP surgery won't make doctor's appointments for arm or leg pain so I'm waiting for a physio appointment. I may be waiting some time so anything shoulder/arm related is much appreciated. I've just done this exercise along with you and it was manageable, whereas some movements are very painful.

[@Skiskiski]

In the military, by 2007, my then SSG Czarnecki, section leader, believed in stretching after exercise and warmup before exercise.

[@donquixote...]

Same here... Also, if doing more than one exercise for a given muscle group, always perform the one that is more peak contraction oriented first, and the one that is more stretch/reflex oriented last, accentuating the negative.

[@clublulu399]

Developing strength at every length. Makes complete sense.

[@chert2380]

I'm 68 and love RDL's which I do using 10-15lb. dumbbells. I'll definitely incorporate the shoulder and calve ones.

[@longhairmullet]

Okay! Everyone is getting on board with this eccentrically loading the muscles! “Knees over toes guy” Yep his channel has been sharing this for years and it’s really blown up in popularity. Seems everyone is getting on board. Definitely better than Static holding movements. Good your info is staying CURRENT.

[@tvtaylor7359]

Eccentric training can be done in any lifting exercise, it's merely a matter of changing the cadence to 2:1:5 or so (lift, pause, lower).

[@annegousha9484]

I came to this particular video through 3 Tip Friday this morning and Ecentric Strength Training is intriguing and interesting to me. Would it be possible for you to share other examples of Ecentric Strength Training in addition to these three? You and your channel are absolutely brilliant and offer great content in my humble opinion. I have found a great deal of what you publish extremely useful and helpful. Thank you ever so much!

[@normandduern2413]

Really useful and practical tips. My 77-year-old knees and shoulders thank you.

[@leonardkellum6984]

Please continue this line of thinking, reducing the boring, while replacing a stretch with an exercise that stretches

[@TheTrock121]

Great stuff! Can't wait to try. I blew out a shoulder doing 300 pushups every other day some 45 years ago, and my shoulders are starting to fall apart again.

[@joyjones2376]

Great , 64 , have been workingnout for years but didnt know the individual calf raise exercise....thank you! youuuu

[@stevec404]

Been a subscriber for a while...just starting to really pay attention. Took notes today, and will research more of these eccentric movements. Joined your "3-Tip Friday" emails. Will purchase your book soon. The realities of age are upon me; and I believe your expertise will help. Thanks,

[@peterc2248]

Great video. More simple exercises for those of us that are overweight and inflexible please. I struggle to even get down on a mat let alone stand up!

[@johnwhale3774]

Very good, thank you, have you one for raising my arm after shoulder reversal, cant raise higher than waist high,its nearly 4 months now, lm doing many exercises, the one fingers crawling up the wall not very successful, thank you, bless . Lyn almost 80 yrs.

[@karincocker3394]

Thankyou! From zambia

[@ruthkult6536]

If you have High hamstring tendonopathy is this exercise, the Romanian deadlift, appropriate?

[@estelsaradop492]

❤Thank you for improving our lives in easy to do 🙏 ways!

[@Dr.sergiosemperfi]

Very good tip as always

[@stevefairbanks835]

How does the Romanian deadlift affect the lower back? I have apparently tightened lower back muscles

[@robinwatson5970]

Thank you, love the exercises

[@HT-Physio]

Glad you like them!

[@America_bombsTSMC]

in simple words, meditation. stand or sit still and relax your muscle with time. in kufu, relax your whole body, (dont use force) all muscles are restored to its normal length.

[@rigilchrist]

Great - more of these, please!

[@marylynch951]

Thank you so much Will God bless you ❤❤

[@HT-Physio]

Happy to help😃

[@Gobio2]

Great advise, thank you so much. I will certainly include these exercises into my training routines. If you have more of these, please make another video.

[@SnartNik]

Will, is the Romanian dead lift safe for people with osteoporosis?

[@mikelundrigan2285]

He did tell us to check with our doctor first! So do that!!

[@samip5734]

I have severe osteoporosis and I will be avoiding the Romanian deadlift because it is all about flexion, which we with severe osteoporosis want to avoid. I have had fractures. The knees in this exercise are just soft. Please correct me if I am wrong with this assumption. Unless I hear otherwise from you Will I will be avoiding this one. Going to watch the other 2 now.

[@suzzem4885]

Love these suggestions, Will ! However, I would just like to say that I feel that we should come back up slowly from the Romanian deadlift (amazing name !) - too fast could perhaps be asking for a bit of trouble ? (I can certainly see that possibilty in my case !) Thanks for all your work - much appreciated.😀

[@GenelleSmay]

Thank you!! I have had tight muscles all my life!! I will try this!! ❤you Will , so patient and kind!

[@HT-Physio]

I hope it proves beneficial for you! Wishing you all the best :)

[@maureenmuggleton5145]

Thank you this is exactly what I needed help with !

[@josephinestonier]

Thank you for creating these exercises which you expertly explain in a way to follow which is not intimidating and gives me confidence to try and improve all ares of my body which, being older and a non-gym attender, is a great way to improve my health.

[@augustineblaize4875]

Thanks Much Sir; Where did you say we could find the “Three Tip Friday” Info please. Thanks Again. Peace! 😴😇🇦🇬

[@paulm9670]

I use a massage gun on my calves and hamstrings before stretching. It doesn’t make any sense to me to stretch a tight muscle. Loosen it up first and then run it through the range of motion.

[@desert.mantis]

Are these three eccentric stretches in your book, Will? 📖

[@herbertvonsauerkrautunterh2513]

So this is basically the same as weight training. Where you control the eccentric movement as that builds the muscle

[@RocknRollkat]

Excellent presentation, thank you ! Bill P.😀

[@nccrchurchunusual]

Thx for the video. A chiropractor helped me find shoulder relief thru doing Potstirring motion right above the floor bent over. I start by tightening the arm a bit and stir large circles between the feet and go smaller & smaller. I have done ths standing & sitting.

[@KYFHOme]

Thanks Will. Is there a physiological reason for doing all the reps on one side before switching versus alternating sides?

[@sroscoe8038]

I've been watching and trying out some of your excellent exercises and had some good results you make sense in what you are teaching us .I am 80 and walk every day ( weather permitting) Very many thanks

[@alancoe1002]

Much appreciated. Getting more conscious about this stuff at age 68.

[@zeinatayah2752]

Some physiotherapists advise against romanian deadlift because of the pressure it puts on the lower back and the spine. Would u qhave any advice on that?

[@berniefynn6623]

ECENTRIC BEEN A PART OF WEIGHT TRAINING for years and all muscles designed to pull.

[@karl-heinzvonscharnhorst546]

Brilliant. Thank you. Amazing video and advice.

[@MrLouisjB]

Thankyou for the great training advise and explanation.

[@shadiaalmarawi7819]

Excellent exercises and explanation I am interested in the mobility of back / shoulder muscles and joints Thanks

[@HT-Physio]

Hi there - I have the following videos which might be of interest! kzbin.info/www/bejne/nmfJfZ19lLislbs kzbin.info/www/bejne/iaG0gaCamcZssNk kzbin.info/www/bejne/rXinmWyLfsiNha8 kzbin.info/www/bejne/e3LIemhml9iisMk

[@BelloBudo007]

These exercises look really good. Thank you mate.

[@janineallen3681]

I have just started to do yoga but seeing this it’s made me realise that I may have to add in some of your stretches too, thank you!

[@HT-Physio]

I hope you find them helpful!

[@RichardThomas-lu6ej]

Another great video. Thanks for sharing!

[@costaszogas1807]

Can you use 2 dumbbells in place of a bar?

[@logsie3918]

That Romanian Dead lift is that ok for someone that had a previous lower back injury? I just am concerned about that arch in your back

[@mehrdad1421]

Thank you

[@davidbliss8352]

Great video! Is there an eccentric exercise for opening the shoulders?

[@Hannah-pc7hg]

Haha. You really got me at the boring stretching routines. They really are 😅

[@Private-GtngxNMBKvYzXyPq]

Just when we start to forget this excellent PT KZbinr is on the other side of the pond, he says “tin of beans” LOL! I wanted to suggest that, at least for people in the US, a one pound box of spaghetti (uncooked obviously) works well as a small weight. Keep up the great work Will Harlow, we appreciate your videos!

[@HT-Physio]

Great suggestion for an alternative kitchen weight!

[@kmk1945]

Thanks.. interesting..will give it a try.😊

[@HT-Physio]

I hope it proves beneficial!

[@pierrepinard1066]

Thanks Will.

[@HT-Physio]

You bet!

[@27kjh]

If I did this exercise every day, is it not as beneficial doing it every 48?

[@kevinwelsh7490]

do you have a routine that works while I sleep?

[@lostgurl1379]

Why don't you life the weight going back up for the shoulder exercise getting the benefit of that movement ?

[@melissawingfield8666]

Where can you buy a stick like that? And what is it called?

[@laurenkemp-rk4ep]

Really good- thank you for this video.

[@HT-Physio]

You're most welcome!

[@cathymushock8412]

Can anyone tell for sure if the elbow is resting on top of the knee in the arm exercise or is pressed firmly against the side?

[@ccc4102]

This is excellent, many thanks.

[@seemanema9801]

What is the price of your book, please share

[@currentfaves65]

My therapist has had me stretching my tight calves on a 45 degree ramp at the base of my steps for years. Adding the eccentric tip toes down slow, I can really feel it. Thanks for a great addition to my daily routine! Start Sunday 2June2024. Going to try the shoulder next. Thanks and hope you have a great day !

[@HT-Physio]

So pleased this can be a welcome addition to your routine!

[@antonellag9771]

Thanks for this video!!

[@HT-Physio]

You're most welcome :)

[@bernadettemcenteehart5901]

Thank you. This makes good sense 😊

[@TheQueensWish]

Thank you very much. There are so many videos out there for tennis elbow. Can you please give us some therapy that will help us over 50’s. I just began the gym again and already it is murder. I can’t understand why it never gets better. Surely we evolved better than this as human beings.

[@HT-Physio]

Hi there - I have the following video regarding tennis elbow which may be of help! kzbin.info/www/bejne/j3_ZqHivqbF5jac

[@TheQueensWish]

@@HT-Physio Hello. I appreciate the link and I will check it out. Thank you!

[@manfredkrafczyk5755]

Great exercises, but how is that „not stretching“?

[@wilsonfamily1762]

fantastic video... using these repeatedly

[@ljs94]

Brilliant, thank you for this

[@RNLWW]

I hear a snap in my shoulder every time I’m bringing the weight back up to position even though I’m supporting that with my other hand. Use less weight or avoid? Does this exercise also strengthen the bicep?

[@karenstoop6457]

I have sciatica flare up maybe once a year. Have started pilates, particularly reformer and love it! Do you advice this type of exercise for those with lower back weakness. And what to avoid when experiencing sciatica. Or maybe there's a particular exercise that is useful.

[@raquellopez112]

❤☺️🙏 Have a blessed summer! Thank you.

[@blinkingmanchannel]

How do you measure progress on "non-strength" movements like this? In the old days, I'd just add weight. This doesn't look like that kind of thing...?

[@hannah5245]

I sit a lot. My groin gets tight and sore. I do squats /squeeze wrapping my arms around the legs. Do you have something else I can do for groin? Thank you.

[@francotlee8032]

Proper stretching is still the best!

[@angelabuchanan104]

Can I do this with a kettle bell instead of barbell...

[@RK-ft9rn]

Hi...First time on your site and love the eccentric concept...if I play tennis and want to avoid shoulder injury besides the one exercise you demonstrated is there any other to do?...thanks!

[@JLWall27]

Is the hamstring exercise osteoporosis friendly? Thank you!

[@christinelewis5765]

Great suggestions!