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AUGUST 2022

Stay flexible with everyday stretching

Stretching is an important part of good health, no matter what your age or activity level. As you get older, your joints become less flexible. And this can put a crimp in daily activities, making it harder to walk, raise your arms overhead or even turn your head while backing up the car. It can also affect your balance, which can cause life-altering falls.

As with all types of exercise, you need to engage in stretching regularly to reap lasting benefits. If you only stretch occasionally, the effects are short lived. One study found that the greatest increase in hamstring length occurred right after the stretch and began to diminish within 15 seconds, though there was a noticeable effect for up to 24 hours.

A daily regimen will deliver the greatest gains. But typically, you can expect lasting improvement in flexibility if you stretch at least two or three times a week.

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Try these simple stretches

Check out these videos of stretches you can add to your exercise or stretching routine. Some options will be easier for you, so you can increase or decrease the challenge. To increase it, try substituting a harder option. To make the stretch easier, add a pillow or rolled towel or use a stretch strap. The stretches include: