How Aging Affects Flexibility (And How to Stay Fit)

As we age, one of the most noticeable changes is how tight our muscles and joints become. You might find that bending over, reaching for something, or even standing up from a chair isn’t as easy as it used to be. This is because, over time, our muscles lose elasticity, and our joints become stiffer, especially if we don’t maintain them with regular movement and exercise.

But there’s more to it than just stiffness. Muscle weakness can also reduce your range of motion and make you feel tight. When your muscles lack strength, they can’t fully support your joints, causing further restriction in movement. This weakness can even lead to something called creep—a slow stretching of soft tissues like ligaments. A common example is forward head posture, often caused by long hours spent sitting at a computer. This posture can cause tightness and discomfort in the neck and shoulders.

How to Regain Flexibility and Stay Healthy

The good news? Targeted exercises can address both muscle weakness and tightness, preventing creep and restoring flexibility. At Full Plate Strength & Conditioning, our personal training programs focus on dynamic stretching, mobility, and full-body strength to help you stay flexible and fit. Unlike static stretches, dynamic movements get your joints working through their full range of motion while activating the muscles you need to stay strong.

By incorporating these exercises into your routine, you can keep your muscles loose, your joints healthy, and improve your overall fitness. Whether you're just starting your journey or looking for a new approach to staying fit as you age, we’re here to help.

Looking to regain flexibility and improve your health? Visit our gym and work with our personal trainers to keep your body moving without restriction!

Key Benefits:

  • Dynamic stretching for flexibility

  • Strength training to support joints

  • Improved posture and mobility

If you can't make it to the gym, try this simple movement: V-Stance T-Spine rotation to target your legs, back, and shoulders all in 1! Watch the video here! 

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