Can I get bendy in my 50s?

[RiverSkater]

Just that really! Is it possible to get bendy again? I strength train and do some basic stretching every day and was running but have plantar fasciitis at the moment so that's not happening.

Stretching is painful though, I am so stiff and I can't see how I could extend certain stretches to get proper bendy.

I'm guessing yoga is the answer, what programme takes account of my 50 year old stiff body?

I recently saw a video of Eileen Ash, she took up yoga when she was a lot older than you. the video I saw of her doing yoga she was 105! I think she died age 110

vm.tiktok.com/ZMNdYe8yx/

I’m a similar age to you and have been doing yoga with Kassandra on YouTube the last 2 years, my flexibility has improved massively. However, I’ve just started seeing things about Mobility training. That has been a huge eye opener tbh and could make a huge difference along with your strength training.

Join the Move yoga thread.

my stiffness has eased a little and if I do it everyday I definitely feel more flexible.

I'd like to start doing yoga at home, a decent YouTube vid for beginners would be great. I'm in my 40s but I too am worried about losing flexibility so I have the same aspirations as you OP!

Also aspirations for more flexibility here! What do you mean by mobility training?

Yup - yoga. I'm 61, have rheumatoid arthritis and have been doing it for about 4 years. My balance, coordination, bendiness and strength have all improved and I recover from any aches and pains more quickly. I think a class is better than doing it at home as it gives me more motivation and an expert on hand to help if I'm confused about what I should be doing. If you can find one aimed at older adults so much the better.

I started Pilates in my 50s and am now Bendy McBendperson 😁

Pilates

@VeronicaBeccabunga 😂😂

There seems to be a new (?) focus on mobility not just strength/flexibility. I have to say it has worked wonders in the short time I’ve been adding them.

vm.tiktok.com/ZMNdj2qpr/

i do this
vm.tiktok.com/ZMNdjeKyf/
&this, amongst others.
vm.tiktok.com/ZMNdjhkDh/

This explains why it helps -bit waffly
vm.tiktok.com/ZMNdjN4qP/

vm.tiktok.com/ZMNd2TrBV/

Pilates will get you there. It's great for mobility, flexibility and strength - indeed all of the functional movements that you need.

Yes, you most certainly can.
There are lots of physical therapy stretches on youtube that work very well.

The key is making sure your body is warmed up before stretching. 10 - 20 minutes of walking or 5 to 10 minute warm up video on youtube.

then do whatever stretches you are working on. A yoga strap and block helps.
Don't push hard to try to match the instructor as they've been doing it for years.. Just go until you feel the slight tightness and hold and breathe into it.

Stretch every day.

I've been doing this guy's videos for 2 years now. My DD turns 40 and me 60 and we're doing photos of us doing full front and side splits.

@HelpIneedsomebodywontyouplease thats really interesting! Thank you 😊

Thank you for the responses everybody.

I think I do mean mobility as well as bendyness but I didn't realise until you mentioned it @HelpIneedsomebodywontyouplease so I'll do dome research into that, thank you.

I have a window of time after school run which would mean I'm warmed up @madasawethen. I'm very impressed by the splits!

I'm missing the running hugely. Walking round London today to see the parade and I'm in agony. I think overall body mobility and stretching would help me though as everything is connected isn't it?

If you are looking for a gentle introduction into better flexibility and mobility - if you have an injury for example, I recommend somatics. It consists of small gentle movements which give great improvements over time.

Have you got any recommendations of where I could find further information on somatics please?

I do online classes here; movewithawareness.co.uk/
The website explains what somatics is. Hope it's of use.