Updated
Updated · Tom's Guide · Jun 13
Sam Hopes Recommends 3 Joint-Health Exercises for Over-60s
Updated
Updated · Tom's Guide · Jun 13

Sam Hopes Recommends 3 Joint-Health Exercises for Over-60s

3 articles · Updated · Tom's Guide · Jun 13

Summary

  • Three mat-based moves — side leg raises, seated leg openers and Cossack squats — are Sam Hopes’ picks to improve strength, mobility and joint health for people over 60.
  • A 3-4 set routine of 8-10 reps per move targets hips, glutes, knees and ankles by taking joints through controlled ranges of motion while adding lower-body resistance.
  • Side leg raises and seated leg openers focus on hip mobility, inner-thigh flexibility, pelvic stability and posture, with bands or lighter positioning used to scale difficulty.
  • Cossack squats add balance and lower-body power, building strength through a side-lunge pattern that can be simplified with a wide stance or progressed with weights.
  • Hopes advises stopping if pain occurs and seeking guidance before starting if dealing with injury, health conditions, pregnancy or postnatal recovery.

Insights

Are three simple exercises enough to build the strength older adults truly need for an independent life?
For seniors with chronic pain, could these 'simple' mobility exercises actually cause more harm than good?