I can touch with soft knees. When I lock my knees, I really feel the burn. Thanks for this! As a water aerobics instructor, I do a lot of active stretching and some static stretching with bands. I'll add this land stretch to my practice and suggest my class watch your videos!
Thanks Matt! This worked wonders! On my initial stretch I got my fingertips to half an inch below my knees. By the end of the video I was halfway down my shin! Still got a long way to go before I can punch the ground, but your videos have helped me clear up some lower back pain and reminded me about my posture (nerd neck / computer pose)
One year away from 70, I could touch my toes before the exercises getting up to the second joint on my fingers wrapped under my toes. The exercises improved my bend, made me conscious to bend from my hip with my back straight. Also show I need to work on leg lifts! Nice burn but must be sure not to curve my back. End result: could get all fingers flat to floor just in front of my toes, or completely wrapped under my toes. Worth continuing!
I gained about half an inch after the first session! It doesn't sound like much, but I've been trying to make gains on this for a long time to no avail. It's an exciting first step for me.
This is amazing. It really works. This morning, I was miles away from the floor, but following your steps, I can touch my toes. My next goal is to have my palms on the floor! BTW, I’m a 70 year old woman😊
At 64 years of age and having never ever been able to touch my toes, thanks to these instructions, within one week I’ve been touching my toes. Thanks so much
I'm a runner, and I am DISGUSTINGLY tight. When I started this video, my hands reached above my knees with a flat back and straight legs. At the end, my hands are now just above my ankles... an insane improvement. I never realized how much the hip flexors played a role here. You are awesome. Thank you!!
That’s awesome. You give me hope. As a family we all have problems with tight hamstrings even when young. My eldest son and daughter run my youngest hurt his back aged 16 at a gym. He struggles even now some ten years later. My daughter is an office worker but walks before work and runs of a lunch time. None of us are sitters. We are all busy doing things. I’ve struggled with my back and hip pain for years. Doctors just want to give pills and chiropractor gets expensive.
I’ve never been naturally flexible and pretty much thought I’d die never being able to touch my toes. I used your tips and now I can touch my toes!!!! I’m so ecstatic and it left me with the belief that I can do what I put my mind to do. I started out being able to reach a little further than my knees and now I can touch my toes in less than a month!
Found this guy in my recs...I am impressed and plan to use his program...also impressed by his communication skills and how he is able to express ideas...he really has a high level verbal fluency which is not common and an auditory pleasure to behold.
Thank you for making a long-form video where you actually give the scientific reason behind each movement you say to do, second by second. It’s nice to watch someone in fitness make a detailed video from beginning to end, as opposed to a short video of just “tips” or “tricks.” Thank you 🤲
I’ve spent the past 2 weeks learning to Asian Squat which is something I never knew I could learn to do! Now I’m up for the next challenge of being able to touch my toes.
Question: When I try to streighten my back, and then when I try to bend at the hip joint with a straight back, it is by back that hurts more than the hamstrings. I can't even get to the hamstring hurting part ... well, with effort. But, it is my back that is not straight to begin with and it hurt when I try to streighten it. Got to search your channel for back strengthening videos. I found your approach even better than Jeremy Ethier! Most exercises that people would suggest, I can't even do the beginning 10% of it. Thank you for breaking down the "how to get to that stage". Greatly helpful!
You are the VERY BEST!! For an 81 year old I never realized how 'bound-up' my muscles were until I tried following your conditioning!! Your teaching techniques are AWESOME!! I THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!! You are now my teacher!
I've experienced lower back pain for quite a few years, but a few weeks ago, after realising I could no longer even get my finger tips to my toes, I started stretching in the shower each morning. Then, about a week ago, I started following a few exercises and stretches. I'm absolutely blown away by the human body. I've found that my back feels so much better, my knees ache less, and at almost 40, increasing my flexibility and range of motion was something I'd always thought impossible. With these few tips on top of the work I've put in recently, tonight I put my palms on the floor, while still able to keep my knees straight. It's never to late to start as I've now learned. Thanks for the tips, I'll certainly be checking out your other videos.
Thank you for your demonstrations along with your clear explanations. You are indeed a very good teacher . I am in my 80s. I am generally flexible but lately I haven’t tried to touch my toes thinking it’s not for me at this age. However, after doing your stretching exercises, wow I was able to touch my toes. How wonderful is that! I am determined to practise it daily. Thank you so much for your guidance. ❤️
Bro ur amazing I'm a teen but I'm soo stiff when ever I tried ro touch my toes it hurt sm and my back ache now I can see sop much improvement and no back pain
Before doing the first exercise, my fingers were a couple inches from the floor then after the first exercise fingers were about an inch from the floor. After the 2nd exercise holding 3 lb weights, I could touch my toes and with slightly bending my knees, I touched the floor. Am 75 years old so will work on hip flexors and hamstrings exercises to keep up my progress! Thanks so much, Matt! Makes me feel better about myself, bolstered my confidence!
In school PE the teachers never mentioned this bending at the hips. Eventually I got better even bending at the waist, then I figured it out and ever since, years ago, I bend at my hips and I can put my hands flat next to my feet. ever since.
Unfortunately I don't think pe teachers were rigorously trained or informed on human anatomy... Even the average doctor or PT today lacks basic knowledge on human movement! 😅
At 60, I still have easy flexion forward but I have become a bit stiff, in general, over the years from inactivity and your video was so soothing and inspiring so I am going to do these and move more. I look forward to looking at more of your past and future videos and getting my elderly mother to do some with me. Thank You so much for not having music playing in the background. thank you thank you for that. I Love the pace and quietness and gentleness of your videos!
SO looking forward to this- something I’ve always wanted to be able to do. Although I’m 77, I’m gonna try! Thank you for these instructions! 🔑 to success!
I agree, no background music is soooo appreciated. I can barely take it in movies when it gets so distracting you can't hear the words. Love this video
I realized right away that whenever I'm trying to touch my toes, I cheat by arching my back. Before trying the first exercise I tried consciously pivoting at my hips and I found it oddly difficult. I guess that's what sitting almost all day does to you. Trying the exercises now. I shake a little bit when trying the first but I'm trying to hold it. You are putting out great videos and I really enjoy them. Thanks.
Appreciate your video. Never been able to touch my toes, not even in PE in elementary school. Did my bit of lifting and running for the last 6 years ( am 40 right now), but this kind of flexibility was never there. With your exercises (did 2 sets of each today) i now see a light at the end of the tunnel.
Learned so much from just the first viewing of your video! I am beginning the exercises as you recommend them and can see a noticeable difference. Your approach to improving without crippling with soreness is one not emphasized. Thank you for a practical, healthy, effective exercise program for tight hamstrings that works well for a senior past 75 like me. Not punching the floor yet, but I’m getting there!
I’ve never been able to touch my toes, not even as a child. Stretching always feels counter productive. My muscles seem to want to fight back against stretching. Thank you for your explanation. Very thorough. I’m going to give it a go and see what happens.
I can relate. Ever since I was a child, my muscles are so tense that i can't even sit crossed legs let alone touching toes. I'm 16 but my flexiblity is 76.
I just subscribed to your channel. Reason is, whatever you are teaching is what I find I needed. I never thought about the importance of working on those muscles and thanks for bringing it to my attention. I am 72, and just starting on your Asian squat exercises, and now you come up with this. You are indeed a Godsend
I woke up once again with back pain and after doing your exercises the pain simply went away. I have worked sitting all day for many years and the things you say fit my condition like a glove. Thank you for sharing !!!
For the hip flexor strengthening is it okay to do it standing rather than sitting? In other words, stand on one leg and lift the other leg out straight while maybe using one hand to touch a table for balance assistance.
The weighted bending exercise here is a GODSEND... highly recommend it to all who suffer, as I do, from the American sedentary lifestyle! This exercise addresses and stretches the upper hip muscles like nothing I've ever tried. Where have you been all my life, Matt? LOL
This is amazing! I did these exercises a few times just now, and went from my fingertips reaching just above the knees (yep, pretty bad) to now being half way down my shin! Wow! I'm going to see how my legs feel tomorrow and do the stretches accordingly. Thank you!
I went from just below the knee to within an inch of my toes. I've been working on my hamstrings a lot, and you gave me more hope! Thank you for all you do!
Wow! Thank you Matt. Keeping the spine 'neutral' is something I was not doing. However, apart from the standing exercise, I do sit on the exercise mat with legs flat and forward and then grip my feet/toes for flexion from the hip - and find this is really good. What I will now do is follow your advice and remember to keep the spine as straight as possible. My greatest problems are, of course, lower back and neck and shoulder muscle pains - and perhaps dietary induced inflammation causing/contributing. I will therefore be checking your other links for remedial action. Thanks again. 🙏
I just wanted to say that I’ve been doing yoga every day so far this month and I can finally touch my toes for the first time in my life! I also followed your tips from this video about first bending at the hips.
I have to confess, I'm so astonished by the results after the first time that I have to leave a comment! I will include these exercises in my routine twice a week for sure!
Motivated by seeing your class. I'm at my 59yrs and do regular walking and running (alternatively) for 5 to 6 Kms. Your class gives me more inspiration to perform my regular physical work out. Thank you Sir.
Those exercises were great. I can touch my toes but this allowed me to get my hands flat to the floor. Also got me to concentrate on keeping my back straight. Thank you.
Thank you so much for the explanation of the anatomy and how each of these stretches effects parts of the body. I wear a lift (2” short) so I’m doing toe touches with the extra height of my hiking shoes. I started out only being able to touch the tips of my fingers. After the first stretch I was able to flatten out my fingers. By the third I was able to almost flatten out the palms of my hands! Only a couple of years ago I was able to put my head against my shins and wrap both arms around the back of my legs. It started to depress me how I’m inflexible I was becoming. I’ve become more consistent and knowledgeable with stretching since watching your videos. I SUPed for over two hours on my knees against high winds two days ago. I expected to be an aching mess for a couple of days. I was a bit sore in my quads but no back, knee, or upper body pain or soreness! I’m not an athlete… I’m a 67-year-old woman who spends a lot of time at a desk. One thing I have been doing every night is knee raises for the entire time my electric toothbrush is running. This sounds silly but it’s been a game changer! I have no intention of slowing down in life… In fact I’ve added mountain biking to my activities. I appreciate the information and guidance you are providing to help us all live an active life!
Hi, when I was a little younger I could even put my hands flat on the ground, unfortunately now I am 73, and have a lot of complications,I could not touch my toes, till this am, wow!wow@wow! I love your videos, I love the ones that work on the hips, as that is where I am painful and stiff. I have been doing them with you for a few weeks and already feel the difference. Thanks , now back to the hip ones, Blessings
I've literally been trying for a YEAR to go from being able to just touch my fingertips to the floor to being able to put both hands flat on the floor. Dude. Checked my form like you said (turns out I was hunching a bit), did the leg lift thing literally ONCE on each side and BAM. I could put both palms flat on the floor.
Very helpful exercise for me after a hip replacement surgery....No therapist taught me this and my thys have been so stiff all this time. Thanks buddie, I see improvement almost instantly.
youre amazing! deep appreciation for your humor and the articulate breakdown of movement into a step by step process. my lens is through pilates and your language and specificity really speaks to me! i have given some of your specific exercises to my clients and referred them to your channel. thank you for all that you do. keep making content!
I love yr videos! ive seen so many instructors but yours by far is probably one of the best..i hope you will reel in all the exercises and do one that can consolidate for a week long exercise programme
I am 74 years old and have the flexibility of a bowling ball. I'm actually going to try to follow your channel in some regimen, in hopes that I can someday not only see my toes but touch them. They're down there somewhere.🤣
It's baffling how hip flexors have only recently become to the forefront of many issues. For a long time, squatting or certain positions...in the bedroom made it feel like my hip was going to pop out of the socket. I've dealt with tight muscles, cramps, etc. in most parts of my body and can easily identify what it is. Until videos like this and certain stretches, I had never imagined that feeling like I was going to dislocate something was just insanely tight hip flexors thanks to 23 years of a desk job (despite being active outside of work). The sitting leg lift exercise in this video, my right leg...yikes!
Do you have any suggestions for problems with the nerve running through the calves? If I straighten my legs completely and try to bend I really feel "the stretch" very early in my calves. And it doens't feel like a normal stretch. As soon as a bend just a little in my knees, I can bend much deeper and the stretch goes to my hamstring and I don't feel much of the tension in my calves anymore. Therefore I think this is a nerve problem. I cannot find a solution for this problem, any advice?
I have the same problem and have still never figured out what to do about it. The worst part is how everyone thinks I’m stretching wrong when they see me with a slight bend but I literally don’t feel a healthy stretch with straight legs. Like you said the second I bend them the load goes into my hamstrings. Hope your question gets answered
The first exercise I think increased my range by like a foot. One thing I've noticed as I try to improve my forward folds is that if I reach down towards a chair, I'm likely to get more range of motion. If I reach towards the ground it's like my brain is like "oh no way we can't do this" and immediately tightens up. Using the chair I almost feel like I'm tricking my body into thinking "see? this is ok! we can do this" and I get more range and more range, and then I can just remove the chair and touch my toes.
This might actually work. I'll try it starting tomorrow. I tested my range and found that the palms of my hands were at my kneecaps. That's pretty normal for me. I did the hip flexor exercise once for about 20 seconds on each leg. Tested again and now the heel of my hand rests at my kneecaps. That's about a 2 inch difference. Not bad for one try. My hamstrings never even get any work out of bending over. The backs of my knees are so tight that those hamstrings don't even get stressed yet.
0:55 Why can’t you touch your toes! This is a great short video to stretch your legs and touch your toes. Very good, very easy and works very well! Thank you!😊 2:242:392:523:033:143:173:28
So I'm always sceptic when people write "it worked for me within a day". I've always been able to touch the ground, but past year my hamstring has caused me a whole lot of pain and yesterday I tried touching the floor and I couldn't no longer touch it! And not by a centimeter or two. But about 10! So I did these exercises yesterday, and I can touch the floor again AND my hamstrings are hurting less. They've been so tense the past year no matter how much I stretch, even hurting when I'm sitting or even laying. Thank you! Will continue with this.
I can't believe this actually helped. My back has been killing me and lately it hurts to bend, I've been trying every back pain video possible and never got the relief or answers like this. I now know it's my hips and hamstring that's weak.. Will continue this but please I need a program just for this! THANKS
I'm not usually a comment leaving person but: I have had trouble touching my toes since I was a child. Seriously, I remember the school nurse recommending I see a doctor because I couldn't touch my toes in ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. (I was fine, normal, active kid, just couldn't touch my toes.) I'm now approaching middle age and before this video ended, I was doing it. I was touching my toes. I almost didn't want to stand back up because it was so surreal. I'm worried it's too good to be true and I'll wake up with horrific back pain or something, even though I checked my form and my back was straight until the last couple inches when I relaxed, but if I really did it right and got these results in one video... THANK YOU. THANK YOU SO MUCH. I will definitely be adding these exercises to my routine and watching your other videos because wow. ABSOLUTE WOW.
UA-cam suggested your criss-cross applesauce video based on the ones I've been watching. After that first one, I was suggested this next one. You are a magician!!! I actually touched my freaking toes on the first try!!!! And I haven't done that in quite a while. I'm 58 and menopause has had a field day with me. I used to be quite active until hip bursitis and tendinitis stopped a lot of my activities. The inflamation has gone away, but now I'm stiff all over and not having fun. Based on the results this video has had with my flexibility in only one session, I'm going to go through your list and watch...and learn. Oh, and I know I'm going to be feeling my hip flexors and hamstrings tomorrow, but it's going to remind me that work was actually done and progress was actually made. I heard you. Slow is smart and fast is foolish. I'll be keeping that in mind. Also, as a 58 year-old woman, I have nothing to prove to anyone but to myself! Thank you for all the things you will be helping me with in the future.
I am 80. Dont want to look nor act old. I love that I have run across your videos. If I do these various exercises I am hoping it will keep me more vital. Thank you Scarlett
I will be 52 years old next month. Every morning I do 10-15 minutes exercise, stretching neck, back, etc. and I always touch the floor with my palms for 30-35 seconds. Touching floor with palms is my favorite and a must do for me in the morning. I can do it with ease thank God.
I play football and run a lot... my 40 yard dash was slow for my height and even shorter people were taller and I strong and thin... I always thought it was something to do with my legs but I didnt know what to do. After I tried just exercise 1, I can already touch my toes. Thanks so much! ❤
I don’t even know what to say. I’m 20 years old and i’ve never been able to touch my toes before - I couldn’t even get my hands past my knees. But with this video I actually was able to go to my toes in one go. Amazing
This really worked for me. Thank you. I’m a 70 year old and have noticed stiffness creeping in. But I was able to touch my toes. Before watching I was a good 6 inches away. Amazing. New sub!!
Ty, 20yrs ago, I had a back injury & bam, just like that, my hamstrings locked up. Had PT, swam, but scared to do much more. ..fear of reinjury was almost immobilizing. 3mo ago, I started an exercise program. Slowly & carefully, I've built back muscle & shocked that I can do more than I thought. However, couldn't get near a toe touch & used to have no problem with that, was good at yoga & even splits 'before' Been working on hamstrings as you show here, also echoed by a trainer at the gym. In 3 wks, wow, I see progress! I'm like 6" further down! I thought my hamstrings were gone forever👍🏼 It's never too late. It just takes patience & listening to your body. I love the way you teach
I've watched and practiced many of your Asian Squat Playlist and this video also. I also do the shoulder hang to allow the spine to relax. These are so superior to any other videos on UA-cam. Because they are so detailed on form and how to progress. Another thing: I truly appreciate that you are the one doing the exercise demo. Thanks, Matt!I
I’m so excited to try these. Between age 61-62, I feel like my hamstrings seized up and the static stuff wasn’t working like it once did. I see now how very weak I am with the 1st exercise. Thanks for this explanation. You gave me new tools & motivation to get where I want to be. Thanks
Man, you scared me shitless at 16:10 with that applause by some kids ... I was looking away from the screen, wearing headphones at night when suddenly heard that horrible, unexpected noise. I didn't realize it was part of your video so I pulled off my headphones to see what's going on at the house .... still shaking
I suffer from multiple sclerosis and had been blaming my stiffness on that . After coming across your video my eyes were opened and now after only a week already the results can be seen still a bit to go but progression is steady. Many thanks.
Long periods of sitting at my job, for many years, retired now, have done just what you gave described to my flexibility in my hamstrings, leg muscles. I will be giving your advice the college try. Expect good results. All makes sense.
I recently found your channel and I think it's quite informative and entertaining. I hope to be able to touch my toes with my knees completely straight. I've never been able to touch my toes this way and I just always assumed it was because I have relatively short arms compared to my height which you've said in many of your videos is not the reason. Hope to be touching soon. 😉
Wow, it really worked. Thank you for these awesome tips. I am 48, I haven't been able to touch my toes for probably 30 years. I still can't believe that by doing just 1 set of the exercises I was able to touch my toes. It really was magical.
So many thanks. Since as long as i can remember, i had never been able to touch my toes. I am really flexible sideways, but vertically, i never reach way below my knees. I started your exercices and gain 15cm. I definitely feel all the biking and volley ball have shortened my hamstrings. But thanks to you, i know there is a way back.
DUDE! Amazing results! I've always been so so tight and just accepted it but just in a few minutes I've gotten massive results. I will keep it going. Wow thank you!
I haven’t worked on flexibility for a few years and have never been really flexible. The one exception is that, for some reason, I’m quite flexible in my Achilles tendons, so I’m able to take a quite long stance and keep my rear heel flat to the floor. I followed your suggestions here and found that I got some 3-4” closer to my toes. I sent this link to my wife also so she could try your exercises. I sent your link yesterday to a much younger guy (Early 40s? Much younger than me, mid ‘70s.) I just met who has very tight hamstrings. Trying to touch his toes, much of his movement came from his upper back. I think he should get immediate dramatic improvement.
That’s what we call a thorough video… you told us anything and everything we need to know… and that’s why I’m feeling confident enough to try what you suggested… thank you and will let you know how it goes
WTH! I just touched my toes! doing exercise 1, once!!! Thank you so much!!! That was a fast adjustment. I'm so amazed at how the brain works and teaches muscles so fast. I'm trying to reach my toes reason is to do L sit exercise. I think this is really what I'm looking for to do the L sit
wow I could always touch my toes ,even put my hands flat on the floor ,but now that I am in my 70 ,I can barley i touch my toes .I I have a little spinal stenosis, emagin all these years I have been the touching the toes wrong. You are the first one who said keep the spine straight . Thank you
So I have just started watching this video. When I was a young boy doing martial arts , I was able to do the splits. Now at 28 years old, I can’t even touch my toes. What kills me the most is I find it difficult to sit comfortable on the floor with my toddlers when they are playing or drawing. And that’s one of the main reasons I want to be able to touch my toes and then be able to sit with my legs folded. Really hope this works and aids me in the direction of my goal 💪🏽
I am working on a computer 8-10 hours daily, I am 66. Punched the floor without any effort and preliminary exercise . However, doing that , I didn't try to keep my back straight. Instead, I tried to fold my body in order to touch my knees by my chest. Visualizing how easy to do it , helps a lot.
amazing video man, i run track in college and ive always struggled with hamstring tightness. I've never been able to touch my toes, i did your 2 exercises and was magically able to touch them, crazyyy. Thank you so much!
Holy cow, it works. It seems like a silly achievement to be proud of, but I'm just now getting into shape and this feels like massive progress to me. Thank you!
very cool--I got twice as close to my toes just watching this vid!! I was about 5 inches away and after doing all you showed, now only 2-3 inches away!! very cool!!
What improvements did you see doing these touch touch stretches? Drop me a comment!👇
I can touch with soft knees. When I lock my knees, I really feel the burn. Thanks for this! As a water aerobics instructor, I do a lot of active stretching and some static stretching with bands. I'll add this land stretch to my practice and suggest my class watch your videos!
Focusing on my hip made a world of difference feels very strange actively using them rather than pulling myself down with my spin
Thanks Matt! This worked wonders!
On my initial stretch I got my fingertips to half an inch below my knees. By the end of the video I was halfway down my shin! Still got a long way to go before I can punch the ground, but your videos have helped me clear up some lower back pain and reminded me about my posture (nerd neck / computer pose)
One year away from 70, I could touch my toes before the exercises getting up to the second joint on my fingers wrapped under my toes. The exercises improved my bend, made me conscious to bend from my hip with my back straight. Also show I need to work on leg lifts! Nice burn but must be sure not to curve my back. End result: could get all fingers flat to floor just in front of my toes, or completely wrapped under my toes. Worth continuing!
I gained about half an inch after the first session! It doesn't sound like much, but I've been trying to make gains on this for a long time to no avail. It's an exciting first step for me.
This is amazing. It really works. This morning, I was miles away from the floor, but following your steps, I can touch my toes. My next goal is to have my palms on the floor! BTW, I’m a 70 year old woman😊
Looking good!
Amazing ❤❤❤
Awesome ❤
May u get blessed by an air conditioner and not get pregnant
Any progress?
One of many things I appreciate about your videos, beside the obvious health benefits, is your regular volume voice.
Lavalier mic = NO SHOUTING 😅
Is it wireless? Thanks
@@roqonu Yup
Amazing Full split workout, Side stretching in one week..
ua-cam.com/video/ypnzGkiX6ys/v-deo.html
Super helpful! Thanks! New sub
At 64 years of age and having never ever been able to touch my toes, thanks to these instructions, within one week I’ve been touching my toes. Thanks so much
I'm a runner, and I am DISGUSTINGLY tight. When I started this video, my hands reached above my knees with a flat back and straight legs. At the end, my hands are now just above my ankles... an insane improvement. I never realized how much the hip flexors played a role here. You are awesome. Thank you!!
AWESOME!!! Thanks for sharing your improvement story!! 🙏💪
That’s awesome. You give me hope. As a family we all have problems with tight hamstrings even when young. My eldest son and daughter run my youngest hurt his back aged 16 at a gym. He struggles even now some ten years later. My daughter is an office worker but walks before work and runs of a lunch time. None of us are sitters. We are all busy doing things. I’ve struggled with my back and hip pain for years. Doctors just want to give pills and chiropractor gets expensive.
So grateful for your videos and coaching us through actions we can take to improve our health!
@@Uprighthealth l
Ever worked with a skip rope? Lass stress on the knees, etc. VERY effective.
You’re the first person that has really given the correct instruction of why to keep your back straight. 👍👍👍
A different approach to a stubborn problem,... keep up the good work
Thanks, will do!
First Exercise
6:45
Second Exercise
10:16
Thanks for the good content
Thank you
Thank you!
Life saver. I was wondering when it starts
I’ve never been naturally flexible and pretty much thought I’d die never being able to touch my toes. I used your tips and now I can touch my toes!!!! I’m so ecstatic and it left me with the belief that I can do what I put my mind to do. I started out being able to reach a little further than my knees and now I can touch my toes in less than a month!
Found this guy in my recs...I am impressed and plan to use his program...also impressed by his communication skills and how he is able to express ideas...he really has a high level verbal fluency which is not common and an auditory pleasure to behold.
Thank you for making a long-form video where you actually give the scientific reason behind each movement you say to do, second by second. It’s nice to watch someone in fitness make a detailed video from beginning to end, as opposed to a short video of just “tips” or “tricks.” Thank you 🤲
I’ve spent the past 2 weeks learning to Asian Squat which is something I never knew I could learn to do! Now I’m up for the next challenge of being able to touch my toes.
YESSSSS! Go get it!
Question: When I try to streighten my back, and then when I try to bend at the hip joint with a straight back, it is by back that hurts more than the hamstrings. I can't even get to the hamstring hurting part ... well, with effort. But, it is my back that is not straight to begin with and it hurt when I try to streighten it. Got to search your channel for back strengthening videos.
I found your approach even better than Jeremy Ethier! Most exercises that people would suggest, I can't even do the beginning 10% of it. Thank you for breaking down the "how to get to that stage". Greatly helpful!
You are the VERY BEST!! For an 81 year old I never realized how 'bound-up' my muscles were until I tried following your conditioning!! Your teaching techniques are AWESOME!! I THANK YOU SO VERY MUCH!! You are now my teacher!
I've experienced lower back pain for quite a few years, but a few weeks ago, after realising I could no longer even get my finger tips to my toes, I started stretching in the shower each morning. Then, about a week ago, I started following a few exercises and stretches. I'm absolutely blown away by the human body. I've found that my back feels so much better, my knees ache less, and at almost 40, increasing my flexibility and range of motion was something I'd always thought impossible. With these few tips on top of the work I've put in recently, tonight I put my palms on the floor, while still able to keep my knees straight.
It's never to late to start as I've now learned. Thanks for the tips, I'll certainly be checking out your other videos.
Thank you for your demonstrations along with your clear explanations. You are indeed a very good teacher . I am in my 80s. I am generally flexible but lately I haven’t tried to touch my toes thinking it’s not for me at this age. However, after doing your stretching exercises, wow I was able to touch my toes. How wonderful is that! I am determined to practise it daily. Thank you so much for your guidance. ❤️
Wow Grandpa u really inspired me. How are you going now?
Bro ur amazing I'm a teen but I'm soo stiff when ever I tried ro touch my toes it hurt sm and my back ache now I can see sop much improvement and no back pain
Before doing the first exercise, my fingers were a couple inches from the floor then after the first exercise fingers were about an inch from the floor. After the 2nd exercise holding 3 lb weights, I could touch my toes and with slightly bending my knees, I touched the floor. Am 75 years old so will work on hip flexors and hamstrings exercises to keep up my progress! Thanks so much, Matt! Makes me feel better about myself, bolstered my confidence!
In school PE the teachers never mentioned this bending at the hips. Eventually I got better even bending at the waist, then I figured it out and ever since, years ago, I bend at my hips and I can put my hands flat next to my feet. ever since.
Unfortunately I don't think pe teachers were rigorously trained or informed on human anatomy... Even the average doctor or PT today lacks basic knowledge on human movement! 😅
@@Uprighthealth น
At 60, I still have easy flexion forward but I have become a bit stiff, in general, over the years from inactivity and your video was so soothing and inspiring so I am going to do these and move more. I look forward to looking at more of your past and future videos and getting my elderly mother to do some with me. Thank You so much for not having music playing in the background. thank you thank you for that. I Love the pace and quietness and gentleness of your videos!
SO looking forward to this- something I’ve always wanted to be able to do. Although I’m 77, I’m gonna try! Thank you for these instructions! 🔑 to success!
I agreee. No background music is very helpful for this kind of instruction.
@@girlonaswing9439 : )
Any update? :) How did it go?
I agree, no background music is soooo appreciated. I can barely take it in movies when it gets so distracting you can't hear the words. Love this video
I realized right away that whenever I'm trying to touch my toes, I cheat by arching my back. Before trying the first exercise I tried consciously pivoting at my hips and I found it oddly difficult. I guess that's what sitting almost all day does to you. Trying the exercises now. I shake a little bit when trying the first but I'm trying to hold it. You are putting out great videos and I really enjoy them. Thanks.
Took me less then ten mins to reach my toes, most helpful information this year😊
Appreciate your video. Never been able to touch my toes, not even in PE in elementary school. Did my bit of lifting and running for the last 6 years ( am 40 right now), but this kind of flexibility was never there. With your exercises (did 2 sets of each today) i now see a light at the end of the tunnel.
Learned so much from just the first viewing of your video! I am beginning the exercises as you recommend them and can see a noticeable difference. Your approach to improving without crippling with soreness is one not emphasized. Thank you for a practical, healthy, effective exercise program for tight hamstrings that works well for a senior past 75 like me. Not punching the floor yet, but I’m getting there!
I’ve never been able to touch my toes, not even as a child.
Stretching always feels counter productive. My muscles seem to want to fight back against stretching. Thank you for your explanation. Very thorough. I’m going to give it a go and see what happens.
How are you now?
I can relate. Ever since I was a child, my muscles are so tense that i can't even sit crossed legs let alone touching toes. I'm 16 but my flexiblity is 76.
@@blanchettt nah fr tho. I knew it was my muscles but I used to think it was my back.
Same for me never been able to touch my toes
Thx a lot! I know now why it’s so hard for me to take a walk in a mountain while I can run easy in a flat walkway!! I m gonna wake up my muscles now
I just subscribed to your channel. Reason is, whatever you are teaching is what I find I needed. I never thought about the importance of working on those muscles and thanks for bringing it to my attention. I am 72, and just starting on your Asian squat exercises, and now you come up with this. You are indeed a Godsend
Thanks and welcome
I woke up once again with back pain and after doing your exercises the pain simply went away. I have worked sitting all day for many years and the things you say fit my condition like a glove. Thank you for sharing !!!
Thanks for sharing!
For the hip flexor strengthening is it okay to do it standing rather than sitting? In other words, stand on one leg and lift the other leg out straight while maybe using one hand to touch a table for balance assistance.
The weighted bending exercise here is a GODSEND... highly recommend it to all who suffer, as I do, from the American sedentary lifestyle! This exercise addresses and stretches the upper hip muscles like nothing I've ever tried. Where have you been all my life, Matt? LOL
This is amazing! I did these exercises a few times just now, and went from my fingertips reaching just above the knees (yep, pretty bad) to now being half way down my shin! Wow!
I'm going to see how my legs feel tomorrow and do the stretches accordingly.
Thank you!
I went from just below the knee to within an inch of my toes. I've been working on my hamstrings a lot, and you gave me more hope! Thank you for all you do!
Wow! Thank you Matt. Keeping the spine 'neutral' is something I was not doing.
However, apart from the standing exercise, I do sit on the exercise mat with legs flat and forward and then grip my feet/toes for flexion from the hip - and find this is really good. What I will now do is follow your advice and remember to keep the spine as straight as possible.
My greatest problems are, of course, lower back and neck and shoulder muscle pains - and perhaps dietary induced inflammation causing/contributing. I will therefore be checking your other links for remedial action. Thanks again. 🙏
I just wanted to say that I’ve been doing yoga every day so far this month and I can finally touch my toes for the first time in my life! I also followed your tips from this video about first bending at the hips.
I wanna start yoga from where I need to start . Can you share any playlist
@@mohammedumarfarhan9900 I don’t have a playlist, but I love Yoga with Adriene!
Have always had issues with tight hamstrings. Tried yoga for a while and only ever saw minimal gains. This just makes so much sense. Thanks!
Happy to help!
When I do these exercises I feel it in my calves not my hamstrings. What am I doing wrong?
@@PeterJ328 He answers at 12:00
I have to confess, I'm so astonished by the results after the first time that I have to leave a comment! I will include these exercises in my routine twice a week for sure!
Wonderful!
Motivated by seeing your class. I'm at my 59yrs and do regular walking and running (alternatively) for 5 to 6 Kms. Your class gives me more inspiration to perform my regular physical work out. Thank you Sir.
Keep it up
Those exercises were great. I can touch my toes but this allowed me to get my hands flat to the floor. Also got me to concentrate on keeping my back straight. Thank you.
That's great 😃👍
Wow, works.
"Get the right muscles to fire" - always been my problem. Thank you.
You're welcome!
Thank you so much for the explanation of the anatomy and how each of these stretches effects parts of the body. I wear a lift (2” short) so I’m doing toe touches with the extra height of my hiking shoes. I started out only being able to touch the tips of my fingers. After the first stretch I was able to flatten out my fingers. By the third I was able to almost flatten out the palms of my hands! Only a couple of years ago I was able to put my head against my shins and wrap both arms around the back of my legs. It started to depress me how I’m inflexible I was becoming. I’ve become more consistent and knowledgeable with stretching since watching your videos. I SUPed for over two hours on my knees against high winds two days ago. I expected to be an aching mess for a couple of days. I was a bit sore in my quads but no back, knee, or upper body pain or soreness! I’m not an athlete… I’m a 67-year-old woman who spends a lot of time at a desk. One thing I have been doing every night is knee raises for the entire time my electric toothbrush is running. This sounds silly but it’s been a game changer! I have no intention of slowing down in life… In fact I’ve added mountain biking to my activities. I appreciate the information and guidance you are providing to help us all live an active life!
GO GET IT!!! 💪
You’re an inspiration!
Hi, when I was a little younger I could even put my hands flat on the ground, unfortunately now I am 73, and have a lot of complications,I could not touch my toes, till this am, wow!wow@wow! I love your videos, I love the ones that work on the hips, as that is where I am painful and stiff. I have been doing them with you for a few weeks and already feel the difference. Thanks , now back to the hip ones, Blessings
I've literally been trying for a YEAR to go from being able to just touch my fingertips to the floor to being able to put both hands flat on the floor. Dude. Checked my form like you said (turns out I was hunching a bit), did the leg lift thing literally ONCE on each side and BAM. I could put both palms flat on the floor.
I'm trying this tomorrow during my stretching session. Your comment gives me hope that I can also put my hands flat next to my feet 🥳
Who knew? You of course!....bend at the hips and boom my fingertips are on the floor, along with my jaw! Thank you for your excellent content. ❤️
Very helpful exercise for me after a hip replacement surgery....No therapist taught me this and my thys have been so stiff all this time. Thanks buddie, I see improvement almost instantly.
Glad it helped!
youre amazing! deep appreciation for your humor and the articulate breakdown of movement into a step by step process. my lens is through pilates and your language and specificity really speaks to me! i have given some of your specific exercises to my clients and referred them to your channel. thank you for all that you do. keep making content!
I think I am going to start crying
because I just thought i was ruined with no recovery 😭
Thank you Sir ❤️👏👏👏👏👏👏
I AM 70 YEARS OLD MAN AND I LIKE THIS EXERCISE 👌 🇲🇺💯PERCENT I LIKE THIS EXERCISE 🇲🇺🇲🇺
Danke!
Much appreciated!
This is mind-blowing. I can barely get my heel off the floor when trying those leg raises. I’m going to work on this every day. Thank you!
Have you made any progress?
@@firejuggler31 I have! Here’s a 20 second video of my current forward fold: ua-cam.com/video/9xWfd-jMuSs/v-deo.html
Nice!
@@NickRamsay amazing, thanks for sharing, i'm gonna try this too starting today.
same here, 5 seconds and start cramping
Excellent! New subbie here. Love your consistent content, keep it coming!🤸♀️
Thanks for subbing!
Thank you so much ,very good explanation❤
I love yr videos! ive seen so many instructors but yours by far is probably one of the best..i hope you will reel in all the exercises and do one that can consolidate for a week long exercise programme
I am 74 years old and have the flexibility of a bowling ball. I'm actually going to try to follow your channel in some regimen, in hopes that I can someday not only see my toes but touch them. They're down there somewhere.🤣
LOL. Love that metaphor! "Flexibility of a bowling ball!!" 😅
It's baffling how hip flexors have only recently become to the forefront of many issues. For a long time, squatting or certain positions...in the bedroom made it feel like my hip was going to pop out of the socket. I've dealt with tight muscles, cramps, etc. in most parts of my body and can easily identify what it is. Until videos like this and certain stretches, I had never imagined that feeling like I was going to dislocate something was just insanely tight hip flexors thanks to 23 years of a desk job (despite being active outside of work). The sitting leg lift exercise in this video, my right leg...yikes!
Do you have any suggestions for problems with the nerve running through the calves? If I straighten my legs completely and try to bend I really feel "the stretch" very early in my calves. And it doens't feel like a normal stretch. As soon as a bend just a little in my knees, I can bend much deeper and the stretch goes to my hamstring and I don't feel much of the tension in my calves anymore. Therefore I think this is a nerve problem.
I cannot find a solution for this problem, any advice?
I have the same problem and have still never figured out what to do about it. The worst part is how everyone thinks I’m stretching wrong when they see me with a slight bend but I literally don’t feel a healthy stretch with straight legs. Like you said the second I bend them the load goes into my hamstrings. Hope your question gets answered
The first exercise I think increased my range by like a foot. One thing I've noticed as I try to improve my forward folds is that if I reach down towards a chair, I'm likely to get more range of motion. If I reach towards the ground it's like my brain is like "oh no way we can't do this" and immediately tightens up. Using the chair I almost feel like I'm tricking my body into thinking "see? this is ok! we can do this" and I get more range and more range, and then I can just remove the chair and touch my toes.
Love it!
Whether mental, physical, or both I'd guess the chair is instrumental in you keeping your back flat. Whatever works!
Punch the ground!!!!
👊👊👊👊👊
This might actually work. I'll try it starting tomorrow.
I tested my range and found that the palms of my hands were at my kneecaps. That's pretty normal for me.
I did the hip flexor exercise once for about 20 seconds on each leg.
Tested again and now the heel of my hand rests at my kneecaps.
That's about a 2 inch difference. Not bad for one try.
My hamstrings never even get any work out of bending over. The backs of my knees are so tight that those hamstrings don't even get stressed yet.
Nice plants bro! And much appreciated the info 🙌🌿🪴
0:55 Why can’t you touch your toes! This is a great short video to stretch your legs and touch your toes. Very good, very easy and works very well! Thank you!😊 2:24 2:39 2:52 3:03 3:14 3:17 3:28
Wow, this actually worked! I have had a desk job for almost 30 years and have not touched my toes for even longer. Until today. Amazing!
So I'm always sceptic when people write "it worked for me within a day". I've always been able to touch the ground, but past year my hamstring has caused me a whole lot of pain and yesterday I tried touching the floor and I couldn't no longer touch it! And not by a centimeter or two. But about 10! So I did these exercises yesterday, and I can touch the floor again AND my hamstrings are hurting less. They've been so tense the past year no matter how much I stretch, even hurting when I'm sitting or even laying. Thank you! Will continue with this.
多謝！
Thank you very much! Your support is much appreciated!
I can't believe this actually helped. My back has been killing me and lately it hurts to bend, I've been trying every back pain video possible and never got the relief or answers like this. I now know it's my hips and hamstring that's weak.. Will continue this but please I need a program just for this! THANKS
I'm not usually a comment leaving person but: I have had trouble touching my toes since I was a child. Seriously, I remember the school nurse recommending I see a doctor because I couldn't touch my toes in ELEMENTARY SCHOOL. (I was fine, normal, active kid, just couldn't touch my toes.)
I'm now approaching middle age and before this video ended, I was doing it. I was touching my toes. I almost didn't want to stand back up because it was so surreal. I'm worried it's too good to be true and I'll wake up with horrific back pain or something, even though I checked my form and my back was straight until the last couple inches when I relaxed, but if I really did it right and got these results in one video...
THANK YOU. THANK YOU SO MUCH. I will definitely be adding these exercises to my routine and watching your other videos because wow. ABSOLUTE WOW.
🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥 Congratulations!
UA-cam suggested your criss-cross applesauce video based on the ones I've been watching. After that first one, I was suggested this next one. You are a magician!!! I actually touched my freaking toes on the first try!!!! And I haven't done that in quite a while. I'm 58 and menopause has had a field day with me. I used to be quite active until hip bursitis and tendinitis stopped a lot of my activities. The inflamation has gone away, but now I'm stiff all over and not having fun. Based on the results this video has had with my flexibility in only one session, I'm going to go through your list and watch...and learn. Oh, and I know I'm going to be feeling my hip flexors and hamstrings tomorrow, but it's going to remind me that work was actually done and progress was actually made. I heard you. Slow is smart and fast is foolish. I'll be keeping that in mind. Also, as a 58 year-old woman, I have nothing to prove to anyone but to myself! Thank you for all the things you will be helping me with in the future.
So glad I could help! Welcome to the Upright Health community, Isabelle💪
I am 80. Dont want to look nor act old. I love that I have run across your videos. If I do these various exercises I am hoping it will keep me more vital.
Thank you
Scarlett
I will be 52 years old next month. Every morning I do 10-15 minutes exercise, stretching neck, back, etc. and I always touch the floor with my palms for 30-35 seconds. Touching floor with palms is my favorite and a must do for me in the morning. I can do it with ease thank God.
I play football and run a lot... my 40 yard dash was slow for my height and even shorter people were taller and I strong and thin... I always thought it was something to do with my legs but I didnt know what to do.
After I tried just exercise 1,
I can already touch my toes.
Thanks so much! ❤
I don’t even know what to say. I’m 20 years old and i’ve never been able to touch my toes before - I couldn’t even get my hands past my knees. But with this video I actually was able to go to my toes in one go. Amazing
I’ve finally grabbed my toes after 3 months of daily stretching for about 20-30 mins. Thanks for your help, I appreciate you👊🏿
Thanks so much. Really want to be able to do this.
Go for it!😀 Thanks for supporting my channel!
This really worked for me. Thank you. I’m a 70 year old and have noticed stiffness creeping in. But I was able to touch my toes. Before watching I was a good 6 inches away. Amazing. New sub!!
Ty, 20yrs ago, I had a back injury & bam, just like that, my hamstrings locked up. Had PT, swam, but scared to do much more. ..fear of reinjury was almost immobilizing.
3mo ago, I started an exercise program. Slowly & carefully, I've built back muscle & shocked that I can do more than I thought.
However, couldn't get near a toe touch & used to have no problem with that, was good at yoga & even splits 'before'
Been working on hamstrings as you show here, also echoed by a trainer at the gym. In 3 wks, wow, I see progress! I'm like 6" further down! I thought my hamstrings were gone forever👍🏼
It's never too late. It just takes patience & listening to your body. I love the way you teach
Tried this the first time today. Never been able to touch my toes. Massive improvement in a matter of minutes! Thanks!
I've watched and practiced many of your Asian Squat Playlist and this video also.
I also do the shoulder hang to allow the spine to relax.
These are so superior to any other videos on UA-cam.
Because they are so detailed on form and how to progress.
Another thing: I truly appreciate that you are the one doing the exercise demo.
Thanks, Matt!I
Thank you so much I'm watching this before bed I've never been able to touch my toes I'm 40 now and hopefully with some work I'll be able to...
I’m so excited to try these. Between age 61-62, I feel like my hamstrings seized up and the static stuff wasn’t working like it once did. I see now how very weak I am with the 1st exercise. Thanks for this explanation. You gave me new tools & motivation to get where I want to be. Thanks
Man, you scared me shitless at 16:10 with that applause by some kids ... I was looking away from the screen, wearing headphones at night when suddenly heard that horrible, unexpected noise. I didn't realize it was part of your video so I pulled off my headphones to see what's going on at the house .... still shaking
Thanks! Trying the excersises right now
Hope it helps! Thanks for your support!
Thanks
I suffer from multiple sclerosis and had been blaming my stiffness on that . After coming across your video my eyes were opened and now after only a week already the results can be seen still a bit to go but progression is steady. Many thanks.
Happy to know that it has helped! And thanks so much for your support!
Thanks!
THANKS FOR YOUR CONTINUED SUPPORT! 🔥
Upright Health with a video about touching your toes, man you can write this stuff, genius! 🤪
Long periods of sitting at my job, for many years, retired now, have done just what you gave described to my flexibility in my hamstrings, leg muscles. I will be giving your advice the college try. Expect good results. All makes sense.
I recently found your channel and I think it's quite informative and entertaining. I hope to be able to touch my toes with my knees completely straight. I've never been able to touch my toes this way and I just always assumed it was because I have relatively short arms compared to my height which you've said in many of your videos is not the reason. Hope to be touching soon. 😉
Wow, it really worked. Thank you for these awesome tips. I am 48, I haven't been able to touch my toes for probably 30 years. I still can't believe that by doing just 1 set of the exercises I was able to touch my toes. It really was magical.
Wonderful!
So many thanks. Since as long as i can remember, i had never been able to touch my toes. I am really flexible sideways, but vertically, i never reach way below my knees. I started your exercices and gain 15cm. I definitely feel all the biking and volley ball have shortened my hamstrings. But thanks to you, i know there is a way back.
DUDE! Amazing results! I've always been so so tight and just accepted it but just in a few minutes I've gotten massive results. I will keep it going. Wow thank you!
I haven’t worked on flexibility for a few years and have never been really flexible. The one exception is that, for some reason, I’m quite flexible in my Achilles tendons, so I’m able to take a quite long stance and keep my rear heel flat to the floor. I followed your suggestions here and found that I got some 3-4” closer to my toes. I sent this link to my wife also so she could try your exercises. I sent your link yesterday to a much younger guy (Early 40s? Much younger than me, mid ‘70s.) I just met who has very tight hamstrings. Trying to touch his toes, much of his movement came from his upper back. I think he should get immediate dramatic improvement.
That’s what we call a thorough video… you told us anything and everything we need to know… and that’s why I’m feeling confident enough to try what you suggested… thank you and will let you know how it goes
WTH! I just touched my toes! doing exercise 1, once!!! Thank you so much!!!
That was a fast adjustment. I'm so amazed at how the brain works and teaches muscles so fast.
I'm trying to reach my toes reason is to do L sit exercise. I think this is really what I'm looking for to do the L sit
wow I could always touch my toes ,even put my hands flat on the floor ,but now that I am in my 70 ,I can barley i touch my toes .I I have a little spinal stenosis, emagin all these years I have been the touching the toes wrong. You are the first one who said keep the spine straight . Thank you
Great! Immediate success! I can now touch my toes - it works better than ever before. Thank you so much for this video!
Bro i was has a back pain for years but when I ur method the back pain is gone bro. Thank you so much.
I have seen other videos to help me touch my toes. None of them helped more than your exercises. Thanks a million for sharing!
You're welcome!
thanks brother
So I have just started watching this video.
When I was a young boy doing martial arts , I was able to do the splits. Now at 28 years old, I can’t even touch my toes.
What kills me the most is I find it difficult to sit comfortable on the floor with my toddlers when they are playing or drawing. And that’s one of the main reasons I want to be able to touch my toes and then be able to sit with my legs folded.
Really hope this works and aids me in the direction of my goal 💪🏽
I am working on a computer 8-10 hours daily, I am 66. Punched the floor without any effort and preliminary exercise . However, doing that , I didn't try to keep my back straight. Instead, I tried to fold my body in order to touch my knees by my chest. Visualizing how easy to do it , helps a lot.
amazing video man, i run track in college and ive always struggled with hamstring tightness. I've never been able to touch my toes, i did your 2 exercises and was magically able to touch them, crazyyy. Thank you so much!
Holy cow, it works. It seems like a silly achievement to be proud of, but I'm just now getting into shape and this feels like massive progress to me. Thank you!
very cool--I got twice as close to my toes just watching this vid!! I was about 5 inches away and after doing all you showed, now only 2-3 inches away!! very cool!!