Most people, if not all, know the benefits of exercise. Exercise is good for physical health by reducing the risk of certain conditions, such as cancer, heart disease, and so on. Exercise is also good for your loved one’s mental health by preventing mental conditions, such as Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and so on. However, it may be difficult to engage in strenuous exercise as one grows with age. However, your loved ones can enjoy their golden years through stretching exercises. Stretching exercises for them are simple and enable your loved ones to stay active without the risk of accidental injury. Here are some examples of stretching exercises for your loved ones, either by themselves or exercising as a couple.
Chin Drop
The chin drop is one of the easiest stretching exercises for your loved ones. It allows them to stretch their shoulders and neck to provide better flexibility and reducing tension. To attempt the chin drop, bring the arms in front with the elbows coming into contact while the palms are facing you while the pinkies’ sides are coming into contact. Next, place palms on top of the head and through the arms’ weight, slowly and gently drop the chin to feel a slight tightness in the shoulder and neck for a good stretch. Inhale five times into the upper back to release the tension.
Arm Opener
The arm opener is also a basic stretching exercise for your loved ones that they can take on without a high risk of injury. To start, stretch the chest, arms, and shoulders. Next, stand with feet at shoulder-width length apart, then take the hands while interlocking them behind the tail bone with the knuckles facing downwards. Next, look up ahead and drive the arms as far from the tailbone as possible. Extend it till you feel a slight stretch, then inhale five times through the chest.
Hula Hoop Stretch
Another easy stretching exercise for your loved ones is the hula hoop stretch. It allows one to enhance mobility while loosening and warming up the hips. To try the hula hoop stretch, stand up and place feet together with hands placed on the waist. Next, circle the hips clockwise for five times, then circle the hips anti-clockwise five times. Imagine a string from the tip of the head going down to the spine. Resist any shoulder movement while pulling in the stomach and move the hips in a wide circle. Most of us would have played the hula hoop before so the movement is similar to that.
Hippie Stretch
Another simple stretching exercise for your loved ones is the hippie stretch. It helps them to stretch their hamstrings and lower back and balance their hips. To start the hippie stretch, put the feet side by side while standing up. Next, bend the waist forward and walk with the hands down the legs up to one’s comfort. Next, alternately bend the knees and keep the other leg straight and dangle the head down to let go of the tension. Each side should be stretched for around 15 seconds. If there is a tighter muscle, keep the stretch longer to keep the balance.
At Discovery Village At Boynton Beach, we have a variety of stretching exercises for your loved ones. Contact us to find out more!
