I am 76. The initial test indicated I could only get one third down my shins. After doing one round of the exercises, I could bend down to touch my ankles. That is a huge improvement. Thank you.
I am 65 yrs old. I've been practicing yoga for most part of my life and not been able to touch the floor for last 2 decades - I've been 3 inches off from my toes. With just my first round of your active movements, I was able touch the floor!
@@MrIsh007i just want to say i have cured my nerve pain unintentionally, i was seeing a dentist, and because of my teeth pain, he asked me to take antibiotics in the butt, i took it in the side of the nerve pain, i felt like a tough ball in my butt for 15 minutes, then the pain has gone, now a week later i still don't feel any pain.
I’ve always wondered why stretching my upper body feels good but stretching my lower body is so painful. Your comments about the nerves sounds like I finally have an answer. Thank you.
I'm 51 and have been aiming to touch my toes (haven't been able to for decades) so I've just followed what you've outlined above (but I also did 20 calf stretches also). What an improvement! I struggled a bit with the hip raising portion and I noticed my leg-raises weren't that great but that'll improve no doubt. At the start, my fingertips got to about 13-14 cm (bit over 5 inches) from the floor but when I tested myself after I could get down to around 7 cm (bit under 3 inches) with exactly the same straight legs and tightness in my lower hamstrings / upper calves... wow. I'm going to add this advice of yours into my daily routine and hope to see incremental improvements... my toes have nowhere to hide! Thankyou.
Yippee, me too. Without this „trick“ I only got my fingers down to about 20cm (metric system rules 😊) above the floor, after one practice there were only 10cm left, and after a 2nd practice I finally got down to the floor - maybe the first time in my life after I was older than 10 years or so.
I have constant pain in my lower back. It's gone, for now at least. Oh, and I managed to touch the floor ^^ This is one of those TH-cam videos that take just a few minutes to watch but might end up having a ridiculously disproportionate amount of positive impact on your life. Going to keep doing this, thank you!
I am in my 60s and though I could touch my toes in my 20s, over the years due to sitting at the desk job lost that ability. After many decades after doing stretching exercises as demonstrated by you, i managed to touch my toes! ❤❤❤
I've had pain doing a forward bend for decades since a car accident at 16yrs old. After just following along to this video and doing only the first exercise, I went from reaching 4 inches above the floor to touching the floor with all fingers. Wow! I'm going to keep practicing too. Thank you!
I’m 65 and I went 3in lower just following along with you in the video! I’ve never been able to touch the floor, but I’ll keep trying your exercises. Thanks!
Wow, I really can't believe this worked! I stretch every day but I can never get near my toes, always several inches away and it never shows any improvement. I just did ten reps of the first exercise only and found I could actually touch my toes straight away! Unbelievable! I will incorporate this in to my daily routine. Very rare click bate titles live up to the hype, but this one did. Thanks 🙂
Hello from Brazil. I'm 48. I run, swim and ride bike every day. I've done a full Ironman, but I don't use to stretch. I tried your exercise and it improved my stretch, even I didn't reach the floor. Thanks for this content, I learned something new today.
OMG! I'm 46, and this worked straight away... I never thought about how dynamic our systems are, I understand why people need to warm up before physical activity.. Plus I know how to do it now... Thanks
This is amazing! At 65, a goal of mine has been to stretch my hamstrings to be able to touch my toes. I thought it would take months. Thanks to this video, it took five minutes! Thank you!
worked like magic. I used to be able to place my palms completely flat on the ground in my early 20's. Once I started a career which involves only sitting on a desk in front of a computer, i completely lost the ability to touch my toes over the years. I have been practicing yoga regularly for the last 20 years, but could never touch my toes. After the first exercise, I was able to very comfortably touch my toes. I will add these stretches to my regular routine. Thank you.
wow. I’m a middle aged guy who’s job is to sit for long hours operating machinery. I take my health seriously and work out regularly. Flexibility has been a huge issue for me and I’ve been suffering lower back pain and nerve pain in the backs of my legs for many years. I just did the first exercise and I feel amazing. Mobility already improved and everything feels loser. I’ll definitely be doing this daily! thank you.
Wow that Worked good. I am 6’1” and have never been able to touch my toes without bending my knees. After performing both movements I nearly had perfectly straight legs when trying to re-touch my toes. Very Interesting tied bit.
I'm in my early 50s, and have never been able to touch my toes. Have just tried your exercises and they certainly have an impact! I'm a little out of puff, but maybe that's the idea. Thanks!
First time ever in my life, i was able to touch my toes with straight legs in first go with your video OMG :), even in school days i was never able to achieve this. This is awesome. Thanks a lot. 🙌
Wow, This works, I've never touch my toes as easily as these two exercise have helped and just proves how much benefit stretching exercises are for our body! Thank you
I thought this was an interesting video. Thanks. I'm 68 and have always been able to touch my toes so I thought most everyone could. Guess not. I'm thankful I'm still flexible. I'm sure this video has helped a lot of people. Thanks again.
How is this possible? I have never been able to touch my toes. Could just reach the top of my socks… After trying your simple routine I really could touch my toes! (not the floor). Incredible, subscribed to you channel! Thanks!
I'm 78 and not to bad physically for my age but could be a hell of a lot better😊 I can reach to where you got to on the first attempt without bending my knees! I certainly will be trying those leg exercises to try and improve the stretch! Many thanks, I have subscribed!
Wow this is mindblowing 🤯 It's the NERVES that have been holding me back! I'm 36 and could never touch my toes in middle or high school, after 3 semesters of dance in college I could finally do it but then I graduated and didn't practice regularly... Last year I did an exercise program and after 6 months I could touch my toes again, but then I got sick and haven't started up again 😅 Just now I was a little more than halfway down my shins, but after doing the exercises I could just barely touch my toes again 🤩 Wow it really is just about getting those nerves comfortably and gradually stretched out again!
I cannot believe this worked! Before the exercise, the tips of my fingers were about 7 inches away from the floor, after just one cycle I could reach the floor! This is amazing!
my first bend i got my hands to my knees. after 1 round of these exercises i tried again and my hands reached to the point where my wrist was level with my knees. quite the improvement after just one round. thankyou. i hope this will help me with my flexibility. very much appreciated.
Excellent technique, flexibility is so important as we age. I am 66 yrs old, and can easily put both palms flat on the floor with no bent knees. In my early 30's I took marital arts for about 3 years, and,, of course, before every training session, we stretched.... just about everything. I continued to do the stretching every day since, morning and night. As it turns out, it has served me quite well, as I now have back problems stem to stern, and it helps my back stay flexible. So I guess the moral of the story is, once you 'get it', KEEP IT!...make it a habit, and you'll never look back!
I've been suffering from back pains for years. Sometimes it got so bad i couldn't get comfortable even lying down. I tried lying on the floor, which wouldn't help. On bad days I'd walk with my spine twisted in ways only imaginable. Movement was a struggle. Then, i tried toe touching. Just 10 times a day. The first couple of days I had to hold on to something. On the third, I could manage with slight twinges. On the fourth zero pain. I twisted and turned to check why it didn't hurt. Now, utter bliss and no pain.
I was a runner in high school, and have always been an avid walker/jogger. I have never been able to touch my toes. I figured, what is it going to hurt to give it a try. The satisfaction of touching my toes for the first time in my 48 years of life was incredible! Thank you.
Having to sit at my desk for hours has resulted in me being as stiff as a board. I've noticed I can no longer turn my head without turning my body at the same time. No doubt you will have an exercise to help with that. In the meantime, I'm going to work my way through your exercises. Your content is great! Thanks so much. Liked and subscribed.
Omg! It worked. 😂 I just touched the floor for the first time in years. I used to be very fit and flexible but now at 57 and a lot less active than I used to be, I have stiffened up a lot. Can’t believe the difference such a simple exercise made. Will sub and watch more of your videos.
This is genius , I wish I knew this 40 yrs ago . I couldn’t come within 8 inches of touching my toes . I tried these 2 exercises one time and was able to cut that distance in half!
This was pretty good. Went from 3-4" above and after the 1st round I touched the floor. I did push myself a bit harder in certain aspects because I know my body well enough. Nice video, thank you!!
Great video, I've been stretching for months and could only get to my upper ankles, after these simple stretches I could stand on my finger tips. Thank you
I gained about an inch below mid-shin on first attempt, two on the second when I pushed a little harder. I'm almost 60 so I expect very slow progress, but I'll try doing this regularly for say, a month, and see what happens. Thanks for the tip.
Never been an issue for me I’m just surprised so many can’t because of the things you stated I just thought it’s because someone was not that fit or agile, I tend to fasten my shoes in that fashion just feels so natural for me I wonder how many find this effortless and do it frequently to tie their shoes
Im 57 and a runner. Ive never been great at stretching so this was really interesting as I do get sciatic pain. I struggled getting any real stretch/leverage with the first exercise without going onto my toes. Maybe it's just regular practice.
Thanks for this video. I thought bending from the waist puts a lot of strain on the back. I've always been told to pick up things from the floor by doing a squat by keeping the knees bend. So I'm a little confused, are you just wanting us to test our flexibility or should we include touching our toes several times daily as part of our exercise regimen. I will be grateful if you can clarify this. God bless you and keep you.
John, phenomenal question! That is exactly what we used to tell people, that bending your back is bad. But it’s something that we HAVE to do in our daily lives. For example, groceries in the trunk of a car…can’t just bend the knees there! On top of this, research has shown 2 things: 1. Even when we try to squat with a straight back, it’s actually still flexing quite a bit. So we can’t actually control the motion as much as we think. 2. Bending the back actually does NOT increase our risk of back injury unless you’re lifting extremely heavy weight! Surprising, right? But yes, we do often hurt our backs bending forward. I’ve done it! But that’s because we don’t do it enough, our back isn’t used to that motion when we do have to and BAM…injury! So we’re changing the narrative. Our spines were made to bend and we need to teach it to do that! Long explanation but I hope that clarifies a little. Does that make sense?
@@robdrenningpt what you said made lots of sense, I'm going to do what you suggested in this video and increase my flexibility, you really can't avoid bending often in our daily living. Thank you for the clarification.
@@robdrenningpt the same applies to the knee joint. Restricting the bend has led to more problems, not less. Same applies to the back. See Ben... #Kneesovertoesguy
When I lean forward, I get to about the same position as you do. However, what I then do is relax and just hang there. Within twenty or thirty seconds, my leg, hip and back muscles relax and my hands drop lower, so that I can touch the floor. If I do this regularly, I can almost put my hands flat on the floor. I'm 65 and overweight, and not at all athletic. I've shown others how to do this. It has helped me and them to get some relief from pain and stiffness in the back. Bending over for that long can make you dizzy if you're not used to it, so be careful if you try it.
Thank you for the video, it explains a lot. I've never been able to touch my toes like that, leading me to question it all together. Why should I be able to touch my toes with my legs stretched, it's not as if I need that movement in any of my daily activities.
Great question! Bending forward is a common functional movement we do many times per day. It’s also a common one to cause injuries, especially the low back. The better we are at this motion, the less likely this is to happen. Touching your toes is just one objective way you can measure this at home. Hope that clarifies a bit!!
Wow. Still wasn't able to touch my toes let alone the floor, but I too only reach about halfway through my shins, and after that exercise, I was able to reach 3-4" further, about the closest I was ever able to as a kid. I'll have to try this set of exercises more often!
DO TAI JI/QIGONG this advice may work, but 3 factors 1 breathe deeply before attempting, bend slowly stretching as your torso becomes horizontal inhale deeply then smoothly, slowly bend at the hips letting gravity act on your movement, finally letting your body just hang. Repeat. 2 - 3x. Daily for a week.
thanks for the explanation and exercises. i am able to reach down to my feet, but i always wondered why i dont really feel a 'stretch' in my hamstring. instead i get a rather tingling feeling or kind of numb feeling in my feet when going down. similar to when your foot 'fell asleep'. bet that's the nerves and not the hamstring that give this feeling. thanks friend
Wow I’ve never had a problem with that and can put my hands flat and bend my elbows. But my youngest can barely get below his knees. I’m sending this to him!
Ahhh stretching ;- ) Good idea! I'm frequently surprised how difficult it is for many people to do such simple stretches, but you - and if we look to the right where there are more similar suggestions - drive home the point that many folks appear to have issues when trying to reach their toes. So here is my limited stretching routine, which I do daily and start before getting out of bed. For this a firm mattress helps: Move all the way to the foot end of the bed, bring knees to chest, clasp arms around shins then pull against chest, hold for 60 seconds. Then grab toe end of feet while keeping knees close to chest and pull to help flex ankle joints, hold for 60 seconds. After that raise legs straight and up 90º, grab toes, make effort to keep legs straight and hold for 60 seconds. Then bring legs toward face at 45º (keep legs straight) and hold for another 60 secs. after that bring straightened legs all the way over your face until they touch the upper end of bed, toes still firmly clasped by your hands (you wanna make sure your ankles benefit too). Hold for another minute. After that I get out of bed and do a floor routine, starting with squats on the floor (to help flex knees) and again hold that pose for one minute. Then stand up, legs completely straight (at least that's the aim) and bend forward as shown in video above, and touch floor with flat hands i.e. palms on floor. And yes, for another minute. After that I repeat squats and leg stretches, but reduce the times involved. Finally I do a back stretch by reaching toward the ceiling with straight arms and bending as far backwards as possible. After another 60 seconds of that I typically reach as far back as I can. I find this last stretch important because it helps with at least my posture (most of us, especially those working "sitting" jobs, are way too hunched over and stretching your spine may alter that). Sometimes I do this before I go to bed. It seems to stimulate "internal functions" like digestion, but should not be done shortly after eating as your digestive system may then complain. All this seems to make it easier to accept old age, and old age is - well - sometimes a pain in the a$$. I'm 78. Cheers ;- )
This video has helped me make more sense of why the stretching wasn't helping. I'll start trying to do this daily. Would it be possible for you to do a video showing how to accomplish the side splits and a leg forward and the other back splits using this technique too? I started taking martial arts classes a few months back and the floor is still so far away. Lol
Thanks for the video! How often should you be doing these stretches? Once a day? 5 Days a week? 3 days a week? Will this help stretch those nerves over time, to the point you can touch your toes comfortably without having to use these stretches?
Great questions! Daily is best early on. That consistency is needed to get long term change. After a while, most people can cut it back to a maintenance routine 2-3x/week. But unfortunately, if you don’t use it, you lose it! So if you stop doing it, eventually your body will revert back to your genetic baseline. Which for me is tight. I stopped doing these stretches so I could make this video, and it took about 3-4 weeks for me to lose the mobility!
Hamstrings 🙄 my weakness. Im good touching my toes but to do Paschimottanasana is another thing.. i was wondering for some time if my spine is curled crooked or what.. hamstrings and nothing else ? 😅 Thanks doc for uploads! New subscriber.
Whattt?? This works indeed, i cant believe it :-D thanks TH-cam for suggesting this awesome video and thanks Rob for this incredible effective exercise!
Loved this. Can you show how to get into squats. Out of practice 65 yo here. Used to do easily. Got out of habit and need to ease back into it. Thank you. Best wishes from Devon UK
I'm here to see what the struggle is about, i'm 54, and obese, always been able to lay both hands flat on the floor, might be a little hyper mobile, i have been doing martial arts, but never the stretchy bit, also done some light bodybuilding, not for size, but in the hope it would stiffen me up a bit, nothing really worked, now i have a bad back and pain in my joints, but then again, i'm 54, and have been working hard, but i'm Danish, so not that big of a problem.
Try this: Sleep with a pillow between the knees, do a stationary bike for 15-20 minutes per day to lubricate the joint, and start with the exercises in the video below!
I'm 76 and just recently had a hip replacement (8/05/23 I don't think at this moment I would be allowed to even try to touch my toes.I will be talking to my surgeon in late 07 /23 I will ask if I should try to touch my toes.
![SAFEPLANET - ดาวเคราะห์ [ THE PLANET ]](http://i.ytimg.com/vi/4X1XL3I_k3c/mqdefault.jpg)
I am 76. The initial test indicated I could only get one third down my shins. After doing one round of the exercises, I could bend down to touch my ankles. That is a huge improvement. Thank you.
Awesome!! You’re welcome
Really good sell not showing results! LOL NOT!
Very helpful in assisting me to getting closer to being able to touch my toes. Got closer to the mark but still need to work on this. Thanks.😂
I am 65 yrs old. I've been practicing yoga for most part of my life and not been able to touch the floor for last 2 decades - I've been 3 inches off from my toes. With just my first round of your active movements, I was able touch the floor!
Love that, keep it up!!
is this a joke?
@@hqcart1 *Couch yoga with chips.
@@hqcart1 no joke! I’m quite shocked by it. Just shows, I’ve been practicing badly all these years…
@@MrIsh007i just want to say i have cured my nerve pain unintentionally, i was seeing a dentist, and because of my teeth pain, he asked me to take antibiotics in the butt, i took it in the side of the nerve pain, i felt like a tough ball in my butt for 15 minutes, then the pain has gone, now a week later i still don't feel any pain.
I’ve always wondered why stretching my upper body feels good but stretching my lower body is so painful. Your comments about the nerves sounds like I finally have an answer. Thank you.
You’re welcome, and that’s exactly it!!
I'm 51 and have been aiming to touch my toes (haven't been able to for decades) so I've just followed what you've outlined above (but I also did 20 calf stretches also). What an improvement! I struggled a bit with the hip raising portion and I noticed my leg-raises weren't that great but that'll improve no doubt.
At the start, my fingertips got to about 13-14 cm (bit over 5 inches) from the floor but when I tested myself after I could get down to around 7 cm (bit under 3 inches) with exactly the same straight legs and tightness in my lower hamstrings / upper calves... wow.
I'm going to add this advice of yours into my daily routine and hope to see incremental improvements... my toes have nowhere to hide! Thankyou.
Love it, keep going!! 👍
Yippee, me too. Without this „trick“ I only got my fingers down to about 20cm (metric system rules 😊) above the floor, after one practice there were only 10cm left, and after a 2nd practice I finally got down to the floor - maybe the first time in my life after I was older than 10 years or so.
@@silosoft 😊
Love it!
I have constant pain in my lower back. It's gone, for now at least. Oh, and I managed to touch the floor ^^
This is one of those TH-cam videos that take just a few minutes to watch but might end up having a ridiculously disproportionate amount of positive impact on your life. Going to keep doing this, thank you!
Awesome, love hearing that! Keep it up!
I am in my 60s and though I could touch my toes in my 20s, over the years due to sitting at the desk job lost that ability.
After many decades after doing stretching exercises as demonstrated by you, i managed to touch my toes!
❤❤❤
Awesome!!!
Wow! I'm 63, haven't been able to get anywhere near my toes for 40 years. You just helped me almost touch them. Thanks man.👍
You bet! Keep it up!!
I've had pain doing a forward bend for decades since a car accident at 16yrs old. After just following along to this video and doing only the first exercise, I went from reaching 4 inches above the floor to touching the floor with all fingers. Wow! I'm going to keep practicing too. Thank you!
That’s awesome, keep it up!!
My toes have been untouched for years. Today they were touched. Thank you!!
Awesome!!
I’m 65 and I went 3in lower just following along with you in the video! I’ve never been able to touch the floor, but I’ll keep trying your exercises. Thanks!
Awesome, keep it up!
Wow, I really can't believe this worked! I stretch every day but I can never get near my toes, always several inches away and it never shows any improvement. I just did ten reps of the first exercise only and found I could actually touch my toes straight away! Unbelievable! I will incorporate this in to my daily routine. Very rare click bate titles live up to the hype, but this one did. Thanks 🙂
Glad to hear it worked, keep it up!!
Hello from Brazil. I'm 48. I run, swim and ride bike every day. I've done a full Ironman, but I don't use to stretch. I tried your exercise and it improved my stretch, even I didn't reach the floor. Thanks for this content, I learned something new today.
Great to hear, you’re welcome!
Worked for me also! I went from about 4 inches from floor to touching floor after doing your exercises! Wow!
Awesome, glad to hear it!!
I'm amazed. Just did the first exercise and I reached much further down my ankles. A youtube video that isn't a click bait scam!
Awesome!!
“Instantly” is an overstatement.
OMG! I'm 46, and this worked straight away... I never thought about how dynamic our systems are, I understand why people need to warm up before physical activity.. Plus I know how to do it now...
Thanks
Very welcome!!
This is amazing! At 65, a goal of mine has been to stretch my hamstrings to be able to touch my toes. I thought it would take months. Thanks to this video, it took five minutes! Thank you!
Awesome glad it worked for you!!
worked like magic. I used to be able to place my palms completely flat on the ground in my early 20's. Once I started a career which involves only sitting on a desk in front of a computer, i completely lost the ability to touch my toes over the years. I have been practicing yoga regularly for the last 20 years, but could never touch my toes. After the first exercise, I was able to very comfortably touch my toes. I will add these stretches to my regular routine. Thank you.
Awesome, glad to hear!
wow. I’m a middle aged guy who’s job is to sit for long hours operating machinery. I take my health seriously and work out regularly. Flexibility has been a huge issue for me and I’ve been suffering lower back pain and nerve pain in the backs of my legs for many years.
I just did the first exercise and I feel amazing. Mobility already improved and everything feels loser. I’ll definitely be doing this daily!
thank you.
Love it!! You’re welcome!
*whose job
@@frontenac5083 😂😂😂 Sorry, I’ll try harder next time!
I had trouble focusing on your instructions because my attention was on the two power outlets placed sloppily at different heights above the floor 😂
😂😂😂
Thanks a lot. Now I can't unsee this.
OCD, eh?
It's a medical office not a house. It was probably designed that way on purpose.
This a great example today's youth with a tape measure.
Wow that Worked good. I am 6’1” and have never been able to touch my toes without bending my knees. After performing both movements I nearly had perfectly straight legs when trying to re-touch my toes. Very Interesting tied bit.
Glad it worked for you!!
That's why I can touch my toes. It feels like I'm forever picking things off floor in my van and doing that stretch. Thanks for sharing
I'm in my early 50s, and have never been able to touch my toes. Have just tried your exercises and they certainly have an impact! I'm a little out of puff, but maybe that's the idea. Thanks!
I know, they’re harder that you’d think!! Glad it worked for you!
First time ever in my life, i was able to touch my toes with straight legs in first go with your video OMG :), even in school days i was never able to achieve this. This is awesome. Thanks a lot. 🙌
No problem!
Wow, This works, I've never touch my toes as easily as these two exercise have helped and just proves how much benefit stretching exercises are for our body! Thank you
You’re welcome!! Glad it worked
I thought this was an interesting video. Thanks. I'm 68 and have always been able to touch my toes so I thought most everyone could. Guess not. I'm thankful I'm still flexible. I'm sure this video has helped a lot of people. Thanks again.
Thanks for sharing!
been trying to do it for a few months. after watching your video and putting it to practice- did it in 3 minutes. solute!💥
Nice work!
How is this possible? I have never been able to touch my toes. Could just reach the top of my socks… After trying your simple routine I really could touch my toes! (not the floor). Incredible, subscribed to you channel! Thanks!
Yea it’s pretty cool, right?!
I'm 78 and not to bad physically for my age but could be a hell of a lot better😊
I can reach to where you got to on the first attempt without bending my knees!
I certainly will be trying those leg exercises to try and improve the stretch!
Many thanks, I have subscribed!
You can do it!
Wow this is mindblowing 🤯 It's the NERVES that have been holding me back! I'm 36 and could never touch my toes in middle or high school, after 3 semesters of dance in college I could finally do it but then I graduated and didn't practice regularly... Last year I did an exercise program and after 6 months I could touch my toes again, but then I got sick and haven't started up again 😅 Just now I was a little more than halfway down my shins, but after doing the exercises I could just barely touch my toes again 🤩 Wow it really is just about getting those nerves comfortably and gradually stretched out again!
Awesome keep it up!
Just tried it and it’s much better now. Can’t touch the floor yet, but I keep practicing. Thanks!
Awesome, keep going!
I cannot believe this worked! Before the exercise, the tips of my fingers were about 7 inches away from the floor, after just one cycle I could reach the floor! This is amazing!
Nice work!
I've never been able to touch my toes until now! This worked! Unbelievable!
So glad it worked for you!!
Amazing
I tried and the first time after the two exercise improve at least 50%.
Thanks.
Great job!
my first bend i got my hands to my knees. after 1 round of these exercises i tried again and my hands reached to the point where my wrist was level with my knees. quite the improvement after just one round. thankyou. i hope this will help me with my flexibility. very much appreciated.
Of course, keep it up!!
Excellent technique, flexibility is so important as we age. I am 66 yrs old, and can easily put both palms flat on the floor with no bent knees. In my early 30's I took marital arts for about 3 years, and,, of course, before every training session, we stretched.... just about everything. I continued to do the stretching every day since, morning and night. As it turns out, it has served me quite well, as I now have back problems stem to stern, and it helps my back stay flexible. So I guess the moral of the story is, once you 'get it', KEEP IT!...make it a habit, and you'll never look back!
Iam also 66 can do that as well but u hav to keep pratising
This is a great example, and even better advice!! Thanks for sharing!
@@christopherodonnell2375 you sure do... if you don't use it you lose it!
Me too 😊
Marital arts. Sounds like a guide for really crazy sex positions :P
It WORKS!!! I went from mid-shin to touching floor! Thank you!
Awesome, love that!!
I've been suffering from back pains for years. Sometimes it got so bad i couldn't get comfortable even lying down. I tried lying on the floor, which wouldn't help. On bad days I'd walk with my spine twisted in ways only imaginable. Movement was a struggle.
Then, i tried toe touching. Just 10 times a day. The first couple of days I had to hold on to something. On the third, I could manage with slight twinges. On the fourth zero pain. I twisted and turned to check why it didn't hurt.
Now, utter bliss and no pain.
I was a runner in high school, and have always been an avid walker/jogger. I have never been able to touch my toes. I figured, what is it going to hurt to give it a try.
The satisfaction of touching my toes for the first time in my 48 years of life was incredible!
Thank you.
Awesome, glad it helped!
@@robdrenningpt I remember the old Presidential Fitness tests, where the seated toe touching was the only thing I would fail.
Oh man, I remember those too. You could pass now!
Having to sit at my desk for hours has resulted in me being as stiff as a board. I've noticed I can no longer turn my head without turning my body at the same time. No doubt you will have an exercise to help with that. In the meantime, I'm going to work my way through your exercises. Your content is great! Thanks so much. Liked and subscribed.
Thank you! Try this video:
Fix Neck Pain in 30 seconds! Learn to turn your head, drive safely!
th-cam.com/video/REXo9do_pE8/w-d-xo.html
@@robdrenningpt Thanks Rob. I'm particularly bad today, so I'll watch this vide. Many thanks.
Worked for me first time! From 3-4 inches off the floor to almost putting my palm on the floor. Thank you!
Glad it helped!
Omg! It worked. 😂 I just touched the floor for the first time in years. I used to be very fit and flexible but now at 57 and a lot less active than I used to be, I have stiffened up a lot. Can’t believe the difference such a simple exercise made. Will sub and watch more of your videos.
Awesome glad to hear!!!
🎉😉💪🏻💃🏼🤸🏼♀️
That worked well for me. Notable improvement and feels good in my body to do the exercises as well.
Thank you!
You’re welcome, glad to hear it!!
This is genius , I wish I knew this 40 yrs ago . I couldn’t come within 8 inches of touching my toes . I tried these 2 exercises one time and was able to cut that distance in half!
Awesome, keep it up!!
This was pretty good. Went from 3-4" above and after the 1st round I touched the floor. I did push myself a bit harder in certain aspects because I know my body well enough.
Nice video, thank you!!
Great job! You’re welcome!
Just tried the exercises. Wow! It really worked! Very helpful information. Thanks a million! 👍
Love to hear it!!
Great video, I've been stretching for months and could only get to my upper ankles, after these simple stretches I could stand on my finger tips. Thank you
Great to hear!
I'm 58 and the exercises work! I had awful year 2022 with cruralgia/sciatic pain and hopefully I won't get it again thanks to people like you. Thanks
🤞
I gained about an inch below mid-shin on first attempt, two on the second when I pushed a little harder. I'm almost 60 so I expect very slow progress, but I'll try doing this regularly for say, a month, and see what happens. Thanks for the tip.
You bet, hope it helps!!
Never been an issue for me I’m just surprised so many can’t because of the things you stated I just thought it’s because someone was not that fit or agile, I tend to fasten my shoes in that fashion just feels so natural for me I wonder how many find this effortless and do it frequently to tie their shoes
WOAH! This actually works! I still can't reach my toes, but after just doing these exercises once I'm way closer.
Awesome, keep it up!
Im 57 and a runner. Ive never been great at stretching so this was really interesting as I do get sciatic pain. I struggled getting any real stretch/leverage with the first exercise without going onto my toes. Maybe it's just regular practice.
Im 62, WOW, that really works, mid shin to toes amazing
Glad to hear!!
Thanks for this video.
I thought bending from the waist puts a lot of strain on the back. I've always been told to pick up things from the floor by doing a squat by keeping the knees bend. So I'm a little confused, are you just wanting us to test our flexibility or should we include touching our toes several times daily as part of our exercise regimen.
I will be grateful if you can clarify this.
God bless you and keep you.
John, phenomenal question! That is exactly what we used to tell people, that bending your back is bad. But it’s something that we HAVE to do in our daily lives. For example, groceries in the trunk of a car…can’t just bend the knees there!
On top of this, research has shown 2 things:
1. Even when we try to squat with a straight back, it’s actually still flexing quite a bit. So we can’t actually control the motion as much as we think.
2. Bending the back actually does NOT increase our risk of back injury unless you’re lifting extremely heavy weight! Surprising, right?
But yes, we do often hurt our backs bending forward. I’ve done it! But that’s because we don’t do it enough, our back isn’t used to that motion when we do have to and BAM…injury!
So we’re changing the narrative. Our spines were made to bend and we need to teach it to do that!
Long explanation but I hope that clarifies a little. Does that make sense?
@@robdrenningpt what you said made lots of sense, I'm going to do what you suggested in this video and increase my flexibility, you really can't avoid bending often in our daily living. Thank you for the clarification.
@@robdrenningpt the same applies to the knee joint. Restricting the bend has led to more problems, not less. Same applies to the back.
See Ben... #Kneesovertoesguy
No way this actually works holy crap i do not know how to thank you enough, thank you!!
Lol you’re welcome!
It worked for me I was able to touch my toes after following along with the video thanks for your help
No problem!
Works beautiful 👍👍👍
Too always have had this trouble .
Gone in 60 seconds .
Thanks
You're welcome!
I'm 62 and enjoyed watching your video.
Glad you enjoyed it!
The is the ONLY exercise that has ever enabled me to touch my toes. I'm 60 and until now have never been able to do this. Unbelievable
Awesome, glad it worked for you!!
Dude this is fantastic. I'm gonna keep doing this. It improved my reach.
Great to hear!
When I lean forward, I get to about the same position as you do. However, what I then do is relax and just hang there. Within twenty or thirty seconds, my leg, hip and back muscles relax and my hands drop lower, so that I can touch the floor. If I do this regularly, I can almost put my hands flat on the floor. I'm 65 and overweight, and not at all athletic. I've shown others how to do this. It has helped me and them to get some relief from pain and stiffness in the back. Bending over for that long can make you dizzy if you're not used to it, so be careful if you try it.
Thank you for the video, it explains a lot. I've never been able to touch my toes like that, leading me to question it all together. Why should I be able to touch my toes with my legs stretched, it's not as if I need that movement in any of my daily activities.
Great question! Bending forward is a common functional movement we do many times per day. It’s also a common one to cause injuries, especially the low back. The better we are at this motion, the less likely this is to happen. Touching your toes is just one objective way you can measure this at home. Hope that clarifies a bit!!
@@robdrenningpt I do have lower back problems as well! I will insert these exercises in my weekly training routine (3/week). Thank you :)
Wow. Still wasn't able to touch my toes let alone the floor, but I too only reach about halfway through my shins, and after that exercise, I was able to reach 3-4" further, about the closest I was ever able to as a kid. I'll have to try this set of exercises more often!
Awesome, keep it up!
Wow. Im really shocked how well this worked. You have gained a subscriber sir!
Awesome, thank you!
DO TAI JI/QIGONG this advice may work, but 3 factors 1 breathe deeply before attempting, bend slowly stretching as your torso becomes horizontal inhale deeply then smoothly, slowly bend at the hips letting gravity act on your movement, finally letting your body just hang. Repeat. 2 - 3x. Daily for a week.
thanks for the explanation and exercises. i am able to reach down to my feet, but i always wondered why i dont really feel a 'stretch' in my hamstring. instead i get a rather tingling feeling or kind of numb feeling in my feet when going down. similar to when your foot 'fell asleep'. bet that's the nerves and not the hamstring that give this feeling. thanks friend
I'm67 and can put my palms on the floor with with legs locked straight. That flexibility has prevented some serious injuries over the years.
It sure has!
I'm impressed as it worked like magic
Awesome!!
My 70-something Dad can still touch his toes, however me in my early '50s can't! Thanks for these exercises, maybe I can catch the old man up!
You can do it!
Wow I’ve never had a problem with that and can put my hands flat and bend my elbows. But my youngest can barely get below his knees. I’m sending this to him!
Ahhh stretching ;- ) Good idea! I'm frequently surprised how difficult it is for many people to do such simple stretches, but you - and if we look to the right where there are more similar suggestions - drive home the point that many folks appear to have issues when trying to reach their toes.
So here is my limited stretching routine, which I do daily and start before getting out of bed. For this a firm mattress helps:
Move all the way to the foot end of the bed, bring knees to chest, clasp arms around shins then pull against chest, hold for 60 seconds. Then grab toe end of feet while keeping knees close to chest and pull to help flex ankle joints, hold for 60 seconds.
After that raise legs straight and up 90º, grab toes, make effort to keep legs straight and hold for 60 seconds. Then bring legs toward face at 45º (keep legs straight) and hold for another 60 secs. after that bring straightened legs all the way over your face until they touch the upper end of bed, toes still firmly clasped by your hands (you wanna make sure your ankles benefit too). Hold for another minute.
After that I get out of bed and do a floor routine, starting with squats on the floor (to help flex knees) and again hold that pose for one minute. Then stand up, legs completely straight (at least that's the aim) and bend forward as shown in video above, and touch floor with flat hands i.e. palms on floor. And yes, for another minute.
After that I repeat squats and leg stretches, but reduce the times involved. Finally I do a back stretch by reaching toward the ceiling with straight arms and bending as far backwards as possible. After another 60 seconds of that I typically reach as far back as I can. I find this last stretch important because it helps with at least my posture (most of us, especially those working "sitting" jobs, are way too hunched over and stretching your spine may alter that).
Sometimes I do this before I go to bed. It seems to stimulate "internal functions" like digestion, but should not be done shortly after eating as your digestive system may then complain.
All this seems to make it easier to accept old age, and old age is - well - sometimes a pain in the a$$. I'm 78. Cheers ;- )
Love this!
Feels unreal how well that works! Thanks
Great to hear!
Seeing that you struggle with this inspired me to do the same and we both touched our toes ❤
Nice job!
It worked! Mid-calf at first and then only 1-2” above floor after stretching! Thanks. Outlets are not that noticeable!
😂 glad the outlets weren’t too distracting. And happy that it worked for you!!
Very helpful. Thank you.
Of course, glad it helped!
Pretty cool. Didn't do the first stretches as well as I might have but got half way closer to the floor. will do again later and pay more attention.
Awesome, keep it up!
Age 73. Went from 12 inches from the toes before, to about 3 inches from the toes, in just one session. Thanks.
Awesome, keep it up!
2 times per day is something we should all strive for as a minimum.
The leg lifts you can do standing up after a few days.
This video has helped me make more sense of why the stretching wasn't helping. I'll start trying to do this daily. Would it be possible for you to do a video showing how to accomplish the side splits and a leg forward and the other back splits using this technique too? I started taking martial arts classes a few months back and the floor is still so far away. Lol
I’ll do my best to make that happen for you!
Thanks for the video! How often should you be doing these stretches? Once a day? 5 Days a week? 3 days a week? Will this help stretch those nerves over time, to the point you can touch your toes comfortably without having to use these stretches?
Great questions! Daily is best early on. That consistency is needed to get long term change. After a while, most people can cut it back to a maintenance routine 2-3x/week. But unfortunately, if you don’t use it, you lose it! So if you stop doing it, eventually your body will revert back to your genetic baseline. Which for me is tight. I stopped doing these stretches so I could make this video, and it took about 3-4 weeks for me to lose the mobility!
I haven't tired it in a very long time, but without doing it.
I know I can do it with ease.
That’s great!
worked, almost to floor after first try. Will work this stretching into my daily routine. Thanks.
Fantastic! You’re welcome!
Hamstrings 🙄 my weakness. Im good touching my toes but to do Paschimottanasana
is another thing.. i was wondering for some time if my spine is curled crooked or what.. hamstrings and nothing else ? 😅
Thanks doc for uploads! New subscriber.
Excellent!! It's exactly what I needed. Thank you!
You're welcome!
Whattt?? This works indeed, i cant believe it :-D thanks TH-cam for suggesting this awesome video and thanks Rob for this incredible effective exercise!
Awesome! You’re welcome!!
It worked!! Thank you so much for this. I’ve always wanted to be able to do that.
You’re welcome, glad it worked!!
Good technique! There are several spinal pathologies that make it a really bad idea to try to touch your toes from a standing position.
It worked - thanks. From South Africa.
You’re welcome, glad it worked!
Solid, useful information. Liked and Subscribed.
Thanks!!
Loved this. Can you show how to get into squats. Out of practice 65 yo here. Used to do easily. Got out of habit and need to ease back into it. Thank you. Best wishes from Devon UK
Awesome! Try this video out to start, I’ll keep adding more!
How to Get Up From a Low Chair | How to Squat Deeper, Fix the Root Cause!
th-cam.com/video/9jp0yOR8rJg/w-d-xo.html
Great video! Very informative! I'll have to incorporate this into my daily routine! Thanks so much for this! 🙏
You’re welcome!!
I'm here to see what the struggle is about, i'm 54, and obese, always been able to lay both hands flat on the floor, might be a little hyper mobile, i have been doing martial arts, but never the stretchy bit, also done some light bodybuilding, not for size, but in the hope it would stiffen me up a bit, nothing really worked, now i have a bad back and pain in my joints, but then again, i'm 54, and have been working hard, but i'm Danish, so not that big of a problem.
Thank you for sharing that good routine and the tips or suggestions!! Greetings. 🙋🏾♂️
You’re welcome!!
Great. Worked instantly for me. Thank you so much.
How to open pelvis area for doing better splits?
Glad it helped
I’ll do a video in the future for you for the splits
Amazing results with just the first exercise. Thank you for this excellent advice. I got my fingers to the floor effortlessly.
Awesome!!👍
how to eliminate my right knee pain in the morning
Thank you For the Instruction
Try this:
Sleep with a pillow between the knees, do a stationary bike for 15-20 minutes per day to lubricate the joint, and start with the exercises in the video below!
Fast knee pain relief without working the knees! Knee arthritis exercises
th-cam.com/video/n_EZB0ksGBk/w-d-xo.html
I am 46, I thought i never do that, Great it worked lots, thanks a lot, शुभं भवतु
Great job!
I'm 76 and just recently had a hip replacement (8/05/23 I don't think at this moment I would be allowed to even try to touch my toes.I will be talking to my surgeon in late 07 /23 I will ask if I should try to touch my toes.
Such a great exercise, preciously could only reach my shins can now reach ankles but not only that my hips and hamstrings feel much looser.
Awesome keep it up!
It works! I rub a bit of ointment before i do the exercise.