A question about body flexibility

[herr_oberst]

Quick question. Can you put on your socks while standing up?

The reason for asking is, since having my hip replaced, I've tried and mostly succeeded to maintain a daily regiment of stretching and strengthening. My daily test is to put my socks on while standing. Some days it's easier than others, but I (almost) always persevere. To say I can ever do it smoothly and easily would be a lie, even though my balance, strength and flexibility is much better since August. Lately it seems like I've really plateaued. I know there's an 80/20 rule for most of life, and I'm at the point of marginal gains, so I have no intention of quitting, but I just wonder if this little test I give myself is something that people like me find easy to do?
(I've never been super-flexible, never been able to touch my toes)

[avi8torny]

I have always subscribed to the idea that the more flexibility you have in a joint the
less pain you will have. This has served me well, especially after a recent back injury.

[Superman]

At 61 years old, I am starting to think my dream of an Olympic gold medal in gymnastics might be moving out of reach.

[ckelly78z]

I generally put my socks on sitting down, and stopped using shoes with laces since my bad car accident 6 years ago. I have better flexibility than most, and can still get all 10 fingers on the ground with straight legs, but with a pants belt on, I find that it is uncomfortable.

[DanielDudley]

I had a really bad problem with balance a few years ago, and I started doing Tai Chi with my eyes closed. I learned several ways of sensing balance besides relying on my inner ears. I also learned that a lot of what constitutes graceful balance is dependent on core strength.

I suspect that you have a lot more in you that can be brought out if you work at it. I would bet on it.

[Bill Douglas]

Originally Posted by avi8torny

I have always subscribed to the idea that the more flexibility you have in a joint the
less pain you will have. This has served me well, especially after a recent back injury.

My thoughts too. I believe that if you have plenty of flexibility it means "more spare room" in there, so if you do get some inflammation it doesn't matter.

I used to get a mild head ache every day. Then I started doing stretches and improving my posture, which resulted in making my neck muscles being not so tight, and haven't had a head ache since.

[stevej37]

^^^ That's why I drink. Too many brain cells make it hard for them to work right.
Give them room to function.

[MMiller]

Yes I can and do most mornings, flexibility is somthing I work at regularly.

[LEAKYSEALS951]

My completely free unsolicited, no guarantee, 2 cent internet opinion would be two parts-
1. With the hip replaced leg, use the good leg as a basepoint for flexibility. How far can you bend / extend things on the good side. Use that as a baseline to consider success for the replaced hip. That's what I did with my total hip replacement... That's what PT used as a guideline for me a while back. It was about 6-8 months in where I had to really fight for increased flexibility.

2. From there, go wherever you please... namaste yoga naste yoga... whatever... don't wanna really know... It was more the #1 I was thinking of.

[look 171]

Ia m still pretty flexible but how does this hip replacement affect your riding?

[wswartzwel]

I am 58.. Had a knee repaired from a motorcycle accident in my 30's.. All the ligaments and knee socket were damaged. I am still walking on my own knees though the one is not 100% full range of motion. I try to stay active. 5 years ago my back started bothering me due to degenerative disk/arthrititis... I was not able to dress standing up then. I increased my exercise routine, and started Mountainbiking more frequently on rougher more technical terrain. I also do daily stretches to keep flexibility which keeps my back from hurting. Now I get dressed standing up with ease. Balance and flexibility are key as well as some self confidence that comes from being in shape. Not sure what the future holds but I want the quality of life to be the best possible so taking care of myself physically is important.

[Seahawk]

Originally Posted by herr_oberst

Quick question. Can you put on your socks while standing up?

Not a chance. I'd fall over like a grain silo being demo'ed...here is me trying to put on socks while standing up:



After years of fighting the effects of an accident early in life, my left hip has been replaced and my right hip is scheduled for early next year: We'll see if the CBO's continue to work.

[LEAKYSEALS951]

Originally Posted by look 171

Ia m still pretty flexible but how does this hip replacement affect your riding?

Simple question- Long answer.. You don't want to get me started!

[Tidybuoy]

I generally put my socks on while sitting - that's probably since the socks are kept near the bed and I sit on the bed.

But, to answer your question....I just now took off my socks and put them back on while standing - no issues.

I do get vertigo a few times per year and I would probably have a tough time doing this exercise but Dramamine for a day or so usually wipes that out.

[Tishabet]

I suppose I could, but I always sit to put on my socks and shoes.... not sure why, I definitely stand to put on pants. I am also absurdly flexible, both by natural physiology and through intentional stretches e.g. I can stand with my knees locked and put my entire palm of both hands flat on the ground and keep them there, no sweat.

The older I get (about to turn 39) the more often I ponder the differences (attitude, habits etc) of the 60 and 70 year olds I know who are "old" vs those who are still out there killing it. My dad is 78, he skis 60-70 or so days each season and kept up with me on a challenging 8 day backpacking trip last year. I'm pretty sure he could take me in a fight if it came down to it. We had a house guest recently who just turned 67, no notable health problems and a healthy BMI... he could not muster the strength to walk half a mile down to our beach on a mildly graded footpath through the woods.

[timchar]

I can barely put them on sitting on a low stool. 59 yrs old, in the last six months had lumbar spinal fusion and rotator cuff surgery. Started basic yoga and stretching routine. Making slow but steady improvements. When I flex forward my fingertips are 12” from floor. I used to be be 4-5 inches from floor. Hope to get back on the tennis court soon. Tim

[wdfifteen]

I probably could but don’t try. My balance may be good but the arthritis in my feet keep them from responding to the signals.

[stuartj]

Apparently a good simple test of fitness, flex and balance is to sit on the floor on your butt. Now stand, do not use your hands.

[Bill Douglas]

Originally Posted by stuartj

Now stand, do not use your hands.

Too easy.

[Evans, Marv]

I always put my socks on while sitting since they're right there. I do dry my feet and legs off standing on one foot when I get out of the shower. Does that count?