3 Best Bodyweight Exercises for Stronger Legs (for Seniors)

To get a copy of Will's first book, you can find it on Amazon below:

In this episode, Farnham's leading over-50's physiotherapist, Will Harlow, reveals three simple bodyweight exercises that can be done to gain stronger legs in as little as 6 weeks!

These exercises are perfect for seniors who want to improve their strength, balance and stability.

[patriciacee]

Thank you, Will. I turned 75 this year and suddenly realized terms like ‘elderly’, ’senior’ and ‘old’ apply to ME! After two bouts with COVID and a move to a new area, I found myself weak, depressed and a very grouchy old woman. Ew. For the first time I felt unable to leave my house - off-balance, under-confident, unattractive, etc. This is after a lifetime of being active, outgoing, positive and healthy. At 63, I got married to a lovely fellow, walked daily, did yoga and qi gong, rode bikes, even climbed mountains. So this new me was quite a shock and disappointment. But one day watching YouTube in a dark den, I found you! Slowly but surely I’ve been gaining back my strength, balance and confidence thanks to following your suggestions. I appreciate your kindness and dedication, Will. Plus, you’re easy on these rheumy eyes, which always helps!😊

[thetree]

Who is this angel helping people across the world with his videos? I am truly grateful. Thank you.

[janechambers]

Dear Mr. Harlow, I am a 73 year old active woman in Florida. In recent years, I have developed pains in my leg, my hip, etc. I have looked all over for my diagnosis (how to solve this) and this sometimes worked and sometimes not. Now I have arrived at a conclusion: there is no single diagnosis. I have watched nearly all of your videos, followed the instructions, and solved many pains--but nothing lasts forever. THIS IS THE CONCLUSION: DIAGNOSIS IS NOT AS IMPORTANT AS ALLEVIATING THE PAIN! By the time I die, I will experience it all, so one diagnosis is inconsequential. This is the lesson I have learned and continue to learn. It is not what you know that matters, it is what you do. Thank you for all your time, and I will be seeing you. Jane

[boli]

Started this just this week. For those who are older (I'm 79) and who worked out in their younger days, I would caution that maybe the most important change in your new routine is recovery time. It gets amazingly longer than it used to be, and I've had to be a researcher as well as an "exerciser" to find my personal best interval in which to recover sufficiently to start the next workout day. I wish there were a formula to follow or a test regime to find out that info quickly, but so far I haven't found any. It's all trial and error at this point, so I'm careful not to overdo the reps/sets to the point that I injure myself to the point that I have to take time off to heal that. That, of course, means I have to be so conservative in my workouts that I'm nearly always exercising too lightly. It's tricky. If you do it too lightly, you don't make progress; if you do it too heavily, you risk injury. Be careful but be smart.

[annekathleen]

I knew all these exercises but I've never heard them explained so well before. Everyone can understand this. Thank you.

[desireevandermei]

I just turned 70 and have always exercised, but lately find it harder. I discovered your channel not long ago and want to thank you for the exercises. I like them a lot, although I find it hard to do the 3 repetitions. Thank you so much for thinking of us elderly people! From the island of Menorca, Spain.

[marcuskarlen]

Thanks. I'm 56 and I am in good health. I don't want to lose that state! Everything I see is either for people at their prime physical state or people with health problems. There is nothing wring with that but it is difficult to find something that it is dedicated to those people who are in reasonable shape but we are not (and don't want to be) the sportsmen/sportswomen we were once. Simply, be able to maintain health and avoid further injury that we all have/had to certain extent. thanks again

[yettaguado]

Thank you, Dr. Wil, for these great exercises for stronger legs. I’m turning 84 and I still don’t need a cane. I walk everyday for 30 min.

[GG-MA-itmi]

Starting today for stronger legs! Thank you for these simple, easy exercises! I am 80 and noticing reduced leg strength, so this will get me back to peak performance!

[llusory_World]

💖 1)Sit -&stand..stand & sit v slowly
2) 6:03 7:20 single leg dip
3) 9:05 9:38 calf raises

[papajeff]

Yes, walked two and a half hours, on a hilly trail in the woods, yesterday. Getting up and down the steepest parts, steps up rocks and roots was almost dangerous, at the end of the walk. I’m 67 years old and find myself way too weak. I used to have legs of steel; no more. My head says, “Sure, you can do this”. My knees and hips are saying, “What are you thinking? Whoa, Man, careful”. Yes, I wore a backpack and had drinking water. These exercises will be just the ticket. I need strength and endurance.

[heatherm]

After many months/years of Long Covid, I am beginning to feel potentially more mobile. These exercises are an essential for my recovery. Thank you so much. PS At 70 it takes longer to recover, so extra grateful. I found your book first, and then YouTube. Together unbeatable!!

[joannvanhorn]

I will soon be 79 & I’m having a right knee replacement later this year. Thanks for these exercises to help get my legs in good shape!

[carltaylor]

Thanks a lot for this, Will. I am 68 and have COPD. I stopped exercising apart from walking 5 miles a day and I'm trying to get back into it. Your videos are so helpful and show me how to do this without injury and without the need for equipment or a gym. Much appreciated and very clearly explained. Thank you. I also use a book called "You are your own gym" by Mark Lauren.

[idalolo]

I have been retired for a year after 38 years on my feet as a registered nurse. I definitely need to work on strength, as retirement has led to a more sedentary life. Thank you for your encouraging and gentle presentation style. Will start these tomorrow! Now subscribed, from northern Idaho in the US. Hope you are having a good weekend, Will!

[jackiesullivan]

Thank you soooo much.. I had no idea how weak I actually am even though I walk daily.. I am 60 and grateful for this video Thank you

[kathydinneweth]

I’m going to do these exercises. My legs have turned very weak because of being in bed a lot w cancer. I’m fine now. I’ll let you know how these work for me. I’m excited to get on with it

[DimensionsAndBeyond]

Brilliant, easy to follow, cheap to do, no fancy equipment. Epic. Been walking loads but very aware that thigh strength and knee joints not feeling like they're at their best. This is just the ticket. Thank you!

[warmweeniesdoxiesweaters]

I (75F) would love to see a short and sweet recap (with very limited talking) of each exercise at the end of each video. This would give me the coaching I need to remind me of each exercise and the proper way to do them. All the lovely details first then the quick review. Thanks Will, this would be extremely helpful.

[highvolumepls]

Thanks a lot Mr Harlow, nice start to weekend, gonna buy your book too. nice friendly delivery and no waffle