Mobility & Flexibility
7 Best Leg Stretches for Seniors
Flexible leg muscles help with walking stride and climbing stairs. Hold each stretch 10–30 seconds and repeat 2–3 times per side.
The stretches
- Calf stretch against a wall
- Seated hamstring stretch
- Standing quadriceps stretch, holding a chair
- Seated figure-4 hip stretch
- Hip flexor stretch in a supported lunge
- Inner thigh stretch, seated with knees apart
- Ankle and shin stretch, seated
Safety first
- • Talk with your doctor before starting a new exercise program, especially if you have a heart, lung, joint or balance condition.
- • Stop and seek help if you feel chest pain, dizziness, unusual shortness of breath, or sharp pain.
- • Move within a comfortable range. Mild effort is expected; pain is not.
- • Use a chair or counter for any standing stretch.
This article is general education, not individual medical advice. Talk with a qualified healthcare professional about your own situation.