Precautions

While you are stretching, you must remember to continue to breathe. Holding your breath during a stretch may increase your blood pressure above safe levels. If you continue to breathe as you stretch, your blood pressure should remain within normal limits.

Exercises that use rotation are not recommended for older people, particularly those with arthritis, because rotation exercises may damage the joints. These include such exercises as neck rotation, trunk rotation, arm circles and ankle rotation.

Note: Before beginning this or any exercise regime, be sure to check with your medical doctor for consent to begin. Neither NDSU nor the authors can be held responsible for any physical problems you may develop as a result of doing these exercises.