Stretching Exercises

Stretching Exercises!

Just like starting your car when it's cold to warm it up a bit before it's happy and ready to roll for you!

Your body is no different. Especially at our age. You need to wake up those 'resting' muscles and joints. Let them know you're taking them out to play. Treat them nice and they'll treat you nice right back! 

Unlike a car though you also need to 'cool down' your body after your walk. Please don't just plop down on the couch when you're done. They'll probably let you know they are not happy when you get up! Do the same stretches when you're done your walk!

Five Easy Stretching Exercises

Side Reach
Reach one arm over your head and to the side. Keep your hips steady and your shoulders straight to the side. 

Hold for 10 seconds and repeat on the other side.

Wall Push

Lean your hands on a wall with your feet about 3 to 4 feet away from the wall. 

Bend one knee and point it toward the wall. Keep your back leg straight with your foot flat and your toes pointed straight ahead. 

Hold for 10 seconds and repeat with the other leg

Knee Pull

Lean your back against a wall. Keep your head, hips, and feet in a straight line. 

Pull one knee to your chest, hold for 10 seconds, then repeat with the other leg.

Leg Curl

Pull your right foot to your buttocks with your right hand. Stand straight and keep your knee pointing straight to the ground. 

Hold for 10 seconds and repeat with your left foot and hand.

Hamstring

Sit on a sturdy bench or hard surface so that your left leg is stretched out wiith your toes pointing up. Keep your right foot flat on the floor.

Straighten your back, and if you feel a stretch in the back of your thigh, hold for 10 seconds and repeat with your right leg. If you do not yet feel a stretch, lean forward from your hips until you do feel a stretch.

- See more at: http://www.50plus-fitness-walking.com