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Over 50? Here Are 10 Simple Stretches to Improve Flexibility in 2 Weeks

Do these stretches every day and reap the benefits.
FACT CHECKED BY Christopher Roback

Don't neglect stretching when you're over 50—it's essential to health and wellness. "You may think of stretching as something performed only by runners or gymnasts. But we all need to stretch in order to protect our mobility and independence," Howard E. LeWine, MD, tells Harvard Health. "A lot of people don't understand that stretching has to happen on a regular basis. Ideally, it should be daily." Here are 10 simple stretches to improve flexibility in just 2 weeks.

Single Leg Stretch

@seanviguefitness 3 Amazing Stretches for People Over 50! Believe it or not but I turn 50 this year. How do I stay flexible, limber and strong? With these kinds of dynamic bodyweight movements. And…I want to play with my grandkids someday. Do them with me and TAG a friend! #seanviguefitness #yogaover50 #yogaforover50 #yogaforeveryone #yogaforseniors ♬ Take Me Home Tonight – Eddie Money

Yoga and Pilates instructor Sean Vigue demonstrates a single leg stretch. "Believe it or not but I turn 50 this year. How do I stay flexible, limber and strong? With these kinds of dynamic bodyweight movements. And…I want to play with my grandkids someday," he says.

Child's Pose

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Vigue shows how to do a child's pose stretch, lunge with a twist, and backbend to downward dog. "Do each of these stretches for 30-60 seconds at a time, Vigue says. "No equipment needed."

Good Morning Stretch

@thedeniseaustin Good morning stretch! #fitover50 #deniseaustin #backstrength #stretching ♬ Aesthetic – Tollan Kim

Try Denise Austin's "good morning" stretches to improve back flexibility. "Try to do 10 good mornings!" she says.

Butterfly Lifts

@seanviguefitness Morning Stretches☀️Morning Mobility☀️ Here's 3 energizing bodyweight stretch exercises to do first thing in the morning. Roll out of bed and make your own history. Consistency and focus💥 #seanviguefitness #coachvigue #yogaforeveryone #yogaformen #yogaforhips #summerof50 #mobilitytraining #tightyogapants #yogaforathletes #morningyoga #morningstretch ♬ Come and Get Your Love – Redbone

Vigue demonstrates a butterfly lift stretch. "Practice daily. Be consistent," he says.

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Pigeon Pulses

@seanviguefitness Morning Stretches☀️Morning Mobility☀️ Here's 3 energizing bodyweight stretch exercises to do first thing in the morning. Roll out of bed and make your own history. Consistency and focus💥 #seanviguefitness #coachvigue #yogaforeveryone #yogaformen #yogaforhips #summerof50 #mobilitytraining #tightyogapants #yogaforathletes #morningyoga #morningstretch ♬ Come and Get Your Love – Redbone

Vigue shows how to do a pigeon pulse stretch. "Roll out of bed and make your own history. Consistency and focus💥," he says.

Whole Body Stretch

@seanviguefitness Release your entire body with this amazing stretch! You gotta try this one💥 yt/SeanVigueFitness #seanviguefitness #yogainstructor #yogaforathletes #yogaforeveryone #morningyoga #mobilitytraining #yogaformen #yogaforhips #morningstretch #yogaover50 ♬ Human Nature – Michael Jackson

Vigue shows how to do this amazing whole body stretch. "Release your entire body with this amazing stretch! You gotta try this one. Hold for 5-10 deep breaths," he says.

Low Lunge To Runner's Lunge

@seanviguefitness 3 Amazing Stretches for People Over 50! Believe it or not but I turn 50 this year. How do I stay flexible, limber and strong? With these kinds of dynamic bodyweight movements. And…I want to play with my grandkids someday. Do them with me and TAG a friend! #seanviguefitness #yogaover50 #yogaforover50 #yogaforeveryone #yogaforseniors ♬ Take Me Home Tonight – Eddie Money

Vigue demonstrates a low lunge to runner's lunge. "Use hands for support," he says.

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Hip and Glute Stretch

@seanviguefitness This Stretch will CHANGE YOUR LIFE! #seanviguefitness #yogainstructor #fitnessinstructor #coachvigue #morningyoga #morningyogaflow #morningstretch #togaformen #yogaforathletes #hipstretch ♬ Lord Of The Rings: The Shire (Concerning Hobbits) – Geek Music

Vigue shows a stretch that allows the glutes and hip to release. "This stretch will change your life," he says.

Back and Spine Stretch

@seanviguefitness Great back & spine stretch flow #spinestretch #backstretch #yogaforbackpain #seanviguefitness #yogaformen #yogaforathletes ♬ Another Level – Oh The Larceny

Vigue demonstrates a back and spine stretch to encourage flexibility and mobility.

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Seated Twist

@seanviguefitness Do these 3 Stretches EVERY Morning! #morningyoga #morningstretch #morningyogaflow #seanviguefitness #sunriseyoga ♬ original sound – SeanVigueFitness

Vigue shows how to do a seated twist, seated pigeon, and lunge with mudra. "Do these three stretches every morning," he says. And if you enjoyed this article, don't miss 12-3-30 Walking Method: 20 Proven Tips to Lose Weight Faster.

Ferozan Mast
Ferozan Mast is a science, health and wellness writer with a passion for making science and research-backed information accessible to a general audience. Read more
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