“I have been a certified athletic trainer for over a decade.
This is what began to spark my curiosity in working with an older population.”
“A decline in muscle mass, strength, and functioncalled sarcopeniais at the heart of this.”
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These changes directly impact how we should approach stretching after 50.
This timing isn’t arbitraryit’s based on how your muscles respond to stretching as you age.
“Between 30 seconds and a minute is the sweet spot for holding a stretch,” Martinez advises.
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Poor Stretching Form
With age-related muscle changes, proper technique becomes even more critical.
“This issue can lead to stretching muscles that you are not trying to target,” Martinez warns.
“Just like exercise, one bout of stretching is not going to make long-term changes.
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Rather it is the compounding effect of consistent stretching that will make a difference,” Martinez explains.
This becomes especially important after 50, when muscle elasticity naturally decreases.
This approach directly addresses the age-related changes in muscle elasticity and joint mobility while building sustainable habits.
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Additional research has shown that regular, proper stretching can improve circulationparticularly important as we age.
This becomes increasingly important after 50, when natural changes in muscle composition can increase injury risk.
While these changes in flexibility and muscle composition are natural parts of aging, they’re not unchangeable.
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And if you enjoyed this article, don’t miss these100 Unhealthiest Foods on the Planet.
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