Self-care and exercise are always key when it comes to leading a healthy lifestyle. As you age, it's especially important to work out, as it improves your balance and strength and decreases your chances of suffering from stroke, heart disease, and so much more. We spoke with 60-year-old Bonnie Strati, master flexologist for StretchLab, who shares 10 of the best floor exercises for mobility and improved fitness.
"Being a flexologist is a very physically demanding role that requires us to be in top shape—to not only be a role model for our clients, but to have longevity in our lives to continue to participate in all the activities that we love to do," Strati tells us. "Here are movements I do as a routine and/or as individual movements when I need to release tension in any area of my body."
The below exercises should be performed slowly. Be mindful of any sensations you feel while doing them. For instance, beware if a certain exercise doesn't feel as though you're moving easily or connecting with your breathing.
So grab your mat, and read on to learn the best floor exercises for mobility and improved fitness. And when you're finished, don't miss the 6 Best Pilates Exercises to Improve Your Balance & Coordination.
Ankle exercises:
First up on the best floor exercises for mobility, it's time to focus on your ankles. Strati explains, "One of the main reasons for maintaining ankle mobility and range of motion is to aid in the prevention of injuries in the knee and hip joint. As a flexologist, I spend a lot of time in a lunge position on the bench so these movements prepare my feet, ankles, and calves for a day at work."