Tight muscles can make you more susceptible to trips and falls.
Here are some stretches to improve balance that only take two minutes.
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Our movement patterns, then, also get smaller and less diverse.
Emily Gustin, DPT, is a physical therapist who specializes in working with clients who have arthritis and balance issues.
And according to Dr. Gustin, it can even help you catch yourself if you lose your balance.
The muscles groups below tend to be the most restricted areas, according to Dr. Gustin.
But stay aware of anywhere that feels tight, she says, because it can be different for everybody.
Holding on to the rail, sink one heel down below the level of the step.
Repeat with the other heel.
Stretching the calves can really help us move more dynamically without tripping or falling, she adds.
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Emily Gustin, DPT, is a physical therapist who specializes in working with clients who have arthritis and balance issues.
Grab the right ankle with your right hand.
For a deeper stretch, gently push your hips straight forward.
Repeat with the other leg.
They canget really tight, which puts us in a forward-leaning posture.
This keeps our stride shorter and less confident.
Seated stretch for the hamstrings
Sit on the ground with both legs straight out in front of you.
Reach with your arms toward the foot of the straight leg.
You may only reach your kneethats okay!
A little discomfort is normal, but back off if you feel anything like sharp, shooting pain.
Repeat on the other side.
How it helps:Tight hamstrings will inhibit a lot of your mobility, says Dr. Gustin.
Repeat to the left.
Not only that, but as we get older, we use less of our necks range of motion.
This forces you to turn your whole body when reacting to things you see or hear.
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