Stretching Exercises for Seniors are performed with patience and time. These should become such an important part of your fitness regime, equal to strength training, and thoroughly enjoyable.
I understand your pain with tight sore muscles. Its no fun is it... and even though I teach Pilates, my muscles still tighten up from time to time. BUT the benefits of stretching continually amaze me.
I've taken the lead from some of our Australian animals - which will make you smile to see them in their stretching routines.
Stretching Exercises for Seniors
#1.Neck, Arms and Shoulders:
Stretching Exercises for Seniors
#2 For the Torso
Stretching Exercise for Seniors: For Legs
Leg Stretches - pain in hips, knees & groin
Hamstring Muscles - for pain in lower back and knees
Quad Muscles -pain in groin, hips & knees
Glute Muscles - for pain in lower & mid back and knee
Sciatic Stretches - sharp pain in lower back,leg & knee
Calf Muscle - pain in heel & ankle
Psoas - pain in groin, hip & lower back
Iliotibial Band (ITB) - for pain down side of leg, in hip & knee.
Stretch and Flex Exercises - General information
Perhaps you would benefit from following a set routine with one of our Pilates Exercises DVDs. We're 4 to choose from, including a special stretching exercises - "Stretch with our Aussie Animals" It's functional and fun, with 25 great stretches. To watch a short preview, click: Pilates Download Video or DVD's
It is important to RELAX when doing your stretching exercises. Not just the muscle you are working on, but the whole body needs to be free of tension, so consciously release tension before you start.
Remember, all muscles are linked throughout the body and it takes a while to be able to dissociate (that is to "switch off") other muscles at the same time and focusing on the muscle you're working on.
Also, if you can focus and put your "mind" in the muscle you're working on, it's a great advantage. Again, its the mind/body connection at work and total focus with your stretching exercises.
We hope you have enjoyed this info stretching exercises. Good luck!!