the decline in oestrogen and testosterone levels, coupled with age-related sarcopenia and increased stress are to blame. “These factors will all lead to weaker muscles, poor flexibility and of course aching joints,” Zana explains to HELLO!
“Given that we have approximately 650 skeletal muscles in our bodies, no single exercise or stretch will help,” Zana explains. “Stretching can help reduce the muscle tightness that can pull at joints, and strength training is essential to strengthen the muscles to keep that pressure off.” For a simple quad stretch, Zana suggests using a chair to balance, while you stand on one leg, grab your ankle or foot of the other, then hold the knees in line with each other and pull the foot as close to your glutes as you can. Then, keeping your body upright, gently pull the foot up and back away from the body, as if trying to straighten the leg.