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I’m a 88 years old woman. For many years I have had problem with my knees and legs. I had a knee replacement two years ago and since then had problem walking and sleeping with terrible pressure in the toes, ankle and front of the foot. I complained to my orthopedist as well as the foot doctor without any help. I’m so happy and grateful to have found you who knows what I have been complaining and have exercises for each of my pains and problems. Thank you very much I will follow your advice and find relief. ❤🎉❤
I am 82, and pretty much live alone, having been a widower now for seven years. I do use all the sensible precautions like holding handrails on stairs, using non-slip shower mats etc. Your tips are much appreciated.
I can't grip a towel but got alerted that I normally when walking is pulling my toes back down under my foot. Now I have tried to spread my toes when walking. It has been such a revelation and revolution. Now I get more of a rolling step. I am so glad. It is by far the best advice I have seen. Highly recommended!. Thanks!!!!
Oh my Christmas! I'm eighty and have not been able to take two steps in the past ten years! I just walked across my apt without a cane or walker?!! I can't thank you enough!!! Stroked out complete left side twenty yrs ago and recovered 85% movement. My left leg, foot and hip are killing me, but that's a great thing... a tremendous thing!!! I can't wait to start exercising four or more times a day. You are the best! Next I will head over to Amazon and order your book, sir. Thanks again. Wow. I'm freaking out. I used to run 8 miles a day. After the stroke I couldn't walk without some kind of assistance like a cane abd deteriorated to cane and walker, but I did get a recumbent trike. I had to stop using it when I could no longer stand up without losing my balance. That is now back out and getting updated with new tubes and tires. Full speed ahead!
I, too, had a stroke 7 years ago, but my stroke was not severe. It did, however, leave me with several difficult conditions. Videos like this one have been a big help.
It's amazing how vulnerable one feels when balance deteriorates. We can call on people, if we're lucky, to drive us to places but 1 feels v restricted/dependent on others. I've been doing these exercises since you showed them last(2ish mths ago?) ... + Attempting the advice about looking 15ft ahead (instead of at the ground) whilst walking 'round the block'=I've become confident enough to take a 'solo' local trip out with 2 x 20min walks, either side of the train journey, (hospital appointment) ... :) feeling well independent. Many thanks nb I also do the balance resistance exercises(stretchy band round ankle/under feet), and getting up/down from seated position... and... yes ... a few others you've recommended... book is fab, vids are great, convenient to view, reminders. Thank you.
That is fantastic to hear I am so pleased my videos have been able to help and it is fantastic to hear that you've been able to rebuild your confidence, it's important to be able to feel safe performing tasks independently - thank you for supporting my book, I'm so pleased you have found it useful!
i stand on one leg for 100 seconds, then the other, then repeat the exercise about half our later. this combined with my other exercises has improved my balance no end.
Thank you Will, I have had a balance problem for a few years but also because I suffer from vertigo. I walk with a stick because of balance but what helps me tremendously is your video a few weeks ago showing to walk heel first and that has been a winner for me 😊 I will definitely be doing your 2 exercises as well. Thank you for all your advice 👍
Thank you for your helpful videos. I'm 61 but have difficulty in balancing and coordination. Please suggest some exercises for stiffness rigidity of knees, freezing
I'm sitting here with a bemused smile. I just tested myself. My toes are definitely on the floor. I thought I was balancing too far forward. Thank you for letting me know that I'm doing something right.
I pushed your idea of stronger calves and applied it to the treadmill. I set a slow pace and instead of just keeping up I push against the belt to try to force it to go faster. It worked wonders for me. I improved my pace and stride together.
Dear Will,...ive just found you on the tube...now this is something I've not known before...ive not got a balance problem...as yet... but prevention is better than cure...so I'm starting as from 2day, thank you for your free gift of knowledge....
Having recently lost a dear friend as a result of a fall and hip fracture. I can see its essential to improve my balance. Thanks so much, I will buy your book.
I'm so sorry to hear about the loss of your friend, I'm sending my deepest condolences - I agree, balance is incredibly important for our safety - thank you for your support and I hope you find my book very interesting if you do decide to purchase it!
I'm from Farnham and came to Canada in 1968, I just turned 70. It's difficult to face age problems when you've been pretty active all your life but I'm starting to realize this. I'm only having minor difficulties here and there but I'm becoming aware of new shortcomings. After just discovering your video on getting out and sitting in a chair, I subscribed to your channel. You do fine work and i shall be watching from now on and will peruse your past videos. I probably am not in too much trouble, just don't stretch and exercise enough. However it's better to be forewarned than fore armed, thank you.
I am a 75 old lady leaving by herself. I have been following you since the beginning of your videos two or three years ago (then you were wearing a white shirt..) . Now you post more and more elaborated advices. I take the opportunity to thank you wholeheartely for your help about many matters, but especially how to have stronger legs to get up after a fall. You saved my life!! God bless you!! I just subscribed your 3 tip Friday newsletter. Dear Will Harlow, do keep up with the good work and thank you very very much again 🙏👏👍🥰🌺❤
Thank you for being such a valuable viewer and for sticking with me whilst I develop! It's wonderful to hear how well you are doing and that my work has been helpful - thank you for subscribing and I hope you enjoy!
Thank you for your return Will. You are doing wonderfully well and deserve your international reputation and much more. Your work for the older people is phenomenal and priceless. On Google map I found Farnham and the Old Bakehouse located in beautiful Surrey. I wish I could come from France to thank you in person. For the moment it is a bit difficult but one never know... I definitely keep in touch and follow your precious advices. Love and good wishes from Nicole ❤@@HT-Physio
You made me cry happy tears!! You understand! What if I am walking on the outside of me feet? I do have 2 kinds of scoliosis and torn meniscus in right and left knees. I know - not good. I need to do all I can !! Would you do a video on walking on outside of feet?? Thank you- you’re a true gem ! ❤️
Thank you because everything you do is very helpful. I have 30%+ damage to my Lt vestibulocochlear nerve & I have been doing toe exercises recently to help my balance - especially the toe spreading.
For those unable to pull their foot up onto their knee to do the foot stretch: Sit upright toward the edge of a chair. Extend one leg out, heel on the floor, pushing the heel gently away, pull the toes towards shin, engaging leg muscles. Once nice and active through whole leg, spread the toes and then try to place the foot onto the floor. If your tendons, etc are tight, you probably won't get the foot to the floor, but you will get a similar stretch to the one Will demonstrated.
79 got your book balance tips noted and gonna practice . my Planta Fasciia is almost gone .. thanks to your video,s which I find excellent and so rewarding to copy. / follow .
Thank you for solving my problem! Balance especially while standing rather than walking had become very difficult. By focusing on the reasons you outlined in this video, it became almost instantly better.
Thank you! This was especially helpful for me as I am working with my local PT to correct an acquired skew foot which I have been trying to correct for over 10 years. I've seen multiple professionals, PTs, MDs and DPMs. It's apparently not common so they've recommended stretching the gastroc, soleus, posterior tib and surgery. Fortunately my primary MD encouraged me to avoid surgery and a highly respected Foot & Ankle surgeon concurred, urging stretching. But it doesn't stay stretched! My DPT has found the muscles under my affected (left) foot are very weak, feeling bone! So he's working on exercises to develop the muscles, etc. In my foot. Thanks for all your help! I have your book!
I thought my toes were making contact with the floor only to discover they weren't. After practicing these two movements 2-3 times a day for one month my feet feel like completely different feet. Making complete contact with the floor is an unusual feeling for me and caused me an adjustment period to get used to walking differently, which I am now doing. Thank you Will for sharing these simple exercises. You are helping many people. I am 81. I just subscribed to your Friday newsletter.
So pleased my video was able to offer insight into a new way of walking which is hopefully protecting your balance - it's great to hear when my advice has been helpful for people! Thank you for subscribing to my newsletter also, I hope you find it packed with lots of useful tips :)
Wear zero-lift, “barefoot” shoes. Walk around barefoot whenever possible. I’m sixty-two and have been wearing barefoot shoes for four years. I previously had major foot problems. The adjustment period is not long at all. My balance and foot strength is fantastic. My two cents……
I'm 60 this year I walk 2 to 4 miles per day with my dog in all weather's.. I have a car but cycle most places..i don't drink or smoke.. I eat 80 good food 20 naughty food..I'm not a saint but like to look after myself as best I can.. I found your channel the back end of last year and done and still do many of your exercises and stretches every day.. I mix them up..i do need to build more strength and this is my aim and to keep challenging myself.. If it hurts I don't do it I look for a alternative to do instead... Thanks so much for your channel it's given me a little extra help along the way.
It sounds like you're doing fantastic work to look after yourself and to remain fit and healthy - I'm pleased my channel has been able to provide some extra support and guidance. And absolutely correct to not push yourself into something that causes pain, that's how injuries occur!
@@HT-Physio my husband just said I'm getting some muscle tone so your videos are definitely helping me.. The only thing I can't do is press ups properly yet but I will in time I can do ten from my knees so that's good enough for me right now.. Thanks again..
Excellent Will. Appreciate your genuine concern and support for us old dogs. You’ve got it dialed in to all the issues we face. Now I’ve just gotta organize the array of exercises and get a routine under way. However, I’m a couple months away from a partial achilles tear recovery, that is really hampering my ability to perform some of these exercises. I hope to get there, tho.
I'm sorry to hear about your injury that must have been very painful - it can be very frustrating to feel slowed down by an injury but focusing on proper recovery and rehabilitation will be absolutely worth it in the long run - slow and steady wins the race - I'm wishing you all the best in your recovery!
Thank you for such sensible advice!! Thorough but simplified enough to be able to be followed!! Ive benefited from your channel noticeably!! And I dont feel overwhelmed!!! Thank you.
That is fantastic to hear I'm so glad you've been able to benefit from my videos that's the goal of all my work! I'm pleased that they feel manageable too!
I am 69 old female with severe rheumatoid arthritis and neuropathy, I lost 80% of my balance. I can walk on hard surfaces but not on grass, so I can’t do my yard work, any suggestions? Many thanks for posting all these helpful videos.
The shin stretch was a revelation. Multiple PT treatments on an old injury never went near the shin muscles. What’s interesting is that I can feel the shin stretch on one leg but not on the other one yet. I’m looking forward to pursuing these exercises. Thank you!
I have always had poor balance, I am right handed but I favor my left leg, I cannot stay balanced on my right foot for even 2 seconds, I have failed (sober) DUI test every time tested. I will give this a go and see what happens.
All Will says is true. Three months ago I started qigong walking. Each step you force toes down then as you lift your back foot from the ground you lift all toes (inside the shoe) then repeat step. In 80 years have never consciously used my toes. Moving my toes improves stability and balance immediately.
I came across your videos yesterday and subscribed right away. I love these exercises you explain them so well. I have Neuropathy in my feet. No pain but i feel a tightness and numbness. I feel confident that these will help. You are the answer to my prayers and i am so grateful. I can't thank you enough ❤ Thankyou Will
Thank you so much for subscribing - I'm sorry to hear you are struggling with neuropathy, I know how difficult that can be to live with - I hope my videos can offer some support and some helpful tips - I'm wishing you all the best!
Hi Will, I am an 81 year female. These are amazing movements for my feet. I will start doing them several times a day. I will share them with my students and friends. I have subscribed and look forward to learning more from you. Thank you for creating these videos for all of us to learn from.
Hello, I'm 76 and have had an angioplasty and have had diabetes for a few years now, but mostly under control. Am otherwise healthy. When I walk however, I sometimes start walking faster and faster, especially when going down slopes and end up falling. How do I stop this? Would you have any suggestions? Your videos have been very helpful.
This makes perfect sense to me. I am dyslexic/dyspraxic ( not recognised for many years ) As a child I had to visit a clinic to try help my supposed flat foot. I wish you was around when I was younger. I will definitely try your excersises.
I have a lot of neuropathy in my feet, lots of pain and numbness, and my toes are seriously retracted. They are so drawn up, to try to even manually straighten them out is to get muscle cramps. When I try to just stretch them out, it's spasms sending them in "all" directions! And I can't get them to stay flattened out! When I finally got referred to see about them (to a "sports medicine" practice), the NP I saw gladly diagnosed me with plantar fasciitis (telling me a perk could be free shoes), but when I researched this alone, it didnt make sense. I read that doctors tend to think PF is the same thing as heel spurs, and I had no more than a little stiffness back in the heels. But if the pain and numbness was from an inflamed plantar fascia, why were my toes so involved? My big toe was one of the most painful parts, and the plantar fascia does not extend into the toes! Since the pain in my toes was just like the rest of the pain, only some was worse, it must have been the same thing in both that was creating the shared pain. I would love to recover from so many things, but this is disappointing, since I doubt I can regain control of my toes. Edit: I rewatched; maybe those we exercises can do some good. Not "instantly", but that's okay. And maybe not to good as new, but any improvement is better than none!
Update, tried exercises and to be truthful I was pretty bad at them so obviously I need to practice which I’m definitely going to do. To begin with the toe stretching exercises gave me cramp but that calmed down and I’m not going to win prizes for the towel exercises, well not yet anyway. Thanks for this and I will build these exercises into my ever increasing maintenance regime.
Thankyou Wiill,I never miss watching your videos everyday.I have benefited a lot after a discectomy a year ago.Very grateful Will.Amfrom Bangalore India.
Thank you so much for watching I am so pleased to hear that you have found my work helpful and I wish you all the best in your continued discectomy recovery!
It feels good to stretch my toes on my left foot due to a stroke and fall on that side. Scrunching a towel with the same foot also is helpful and feels really good. Thank you for those 2 exercises. My toes on my left foot don’t hit the floor like the right ones do so I’m hoping that will improve also🤔
I'm sorry to hear about your stroke and fall - it's great to hear the movement felt good, hopefully your left foot will catch up to your right one with time and practice :)
Your suggestions and exercises have helped me very much. Thank you for sharing your wonderful insight and knowledge with this older generation. We need help from caring people like you. 🙏
Will, I find your videos instructive and quite useful; your style and tone respectful. I'm 80 years old; do some strength training at home and get in some squash one or two times a week. If youv'e made a video on "tight hips tending to pull the upper body forward", please direct me to it or them. Congratulations, C.J. Guyana
Thank you Will for all your great videos, extremely useful and very easy to follow. I bought your book. It's very informative and practical. It has already made a huge difference to my fitness and joints. I recommend it to everyone.
Thank you will , your videos are very helpful, please make videos on right hand use as my right side is weak , do not follow my instructions ,and tremors occur when I want to eat or focus on it , writing is a lot better and legible, I have been treated for managioma , hearing is back but still need to balance , slight dizziness, thanks a lot , ❤
Cant reach my toes. have drop foot on one foot and two toes taped to gather But can pull towel back with toes so that is one plus I am 92 still out there thank you
Hi, Will. I have terrible hammertoes, so my toes cannot stretch out at all. What can you suggest in my case. I also have extremely high arches & very narrow feet. In fact, my podiatrist said I have the narrowest feet & the highest arches he's ever seen 🫤 Thanks, Will. I love your videos ❤
These are great exercises. TY for sharing. Can you plz put time stamps so I can find where I left off?Sometimes I can't do the whole vid at once and have to come back to it at a later time.
I grew up going barefoot more often than not and continued doing so when I was at home. Not as much anymore, but ‘ll work on it! I do think I need new shoes because what I have are beginning to feel too tight. Not sure what “barefoot shoes” are.
Thanks so much from New Delhi, India... love your videos and the way you explain things....Will, I have a request-- please suggest some exercises for those with reduced mobility because of both hip replacements. Thanks
I’m not able to bring my leg across my lap, so I do the exercise sitting down crossing my ankles & using the opposite foot to stretch the toes like u did you did w/ your hand.
Hi always following your videos. I am 65 year old active man. Just want to know why can't I stand up from the floor without support. Struggling to sit and stand on the floor. Please , looking for the video of gaining strength again to sit and stand from the floor without hand support. Thanks and regards.
