To regain that Gumby-like flexibility would require a real commitment, but it is possible. An excellent study published in the Journal of Geriatric Physical Therapy in 2007 found that if older people stretched five days a week for six weeks, holding the stretch for 60 seconds and repeating it four times, they could improve their ankle movement by over 12 degrees, which is a lot.
The key is to be very specific in what you are trying to stretch and hold the stretch for 60 seconds. Do it five days a week, and repeat each stretch four times. Try to incorporate stretching into your daily activities: Stretch your shoulders while cooling down during your aerobic activity; do ankle range of motion by rising up on your toes; raise your toes up off the floor while you're brushing your teeth; stretch your spine by reaching for the floor or twisting right and left while sitting at your desk.
Can you pick four simple ways to stay limber in 10 minutes a day?
Ten minutes is not quite enough time to really get benefits in all areas of fitness, but it's a start. Here's a routine to get you started on a total fitness program that affects posture, strength, flexibility, balance and endurance.
10-minute exercise program
1. Stand on one leg and then the other for a minute each (balance) = 2 minutes
2. Do the combined Pelvic Tilt and Chin Tuck (see exercise for back and knee pain below) 10 times (posture and core strength) = 2 minutes
3. Run in place or walk as fast as you can, or bring one knee and then the other up to the chest as quickly as possible for four minutes (endurance) = 4 minutes
4. Do a leg stretch. Stand straight, move right foot forward, keep heel on the floor. Put weight on left leg and bend it slightly. Lean forward and push your buttocks backward keeping that right leg as straight as possible. Reach for your right toes with right hand. Then reverse. 1 minute on each side (flexibility) = 2 minutes
No comments:
Post a Comment