So, here’s the thing. On the way to 50 and even beyond, your body doesn’t respond to exercise as it used to earlier in your life. Joint and muscle aches, fatigue and increased injuries over a lifetime, seem to happen with greater frequency as you get past 50.

However, it is not your imagination unfortunately. It does happen to all us and its a natural consequence of getting older. As a matter of fact, some of the “usual” fitness rules no longer apply. Well, at least not in the same way as they did in your 20’s, 30’s and even in your 40’s. Here is  how one of the rules change after 50. Follow this one and you can stay injury-free as you get older.

Here’s the Old rule: Stretch a few days a week

Here’s the New rule: Stretch after every workout, and then some more

After 50, stretching is no longer an option. Its more important to stay flexible as you age.

Michele Olson,professor of exercise science at Huntingdon College in Montgomery, Alabama says that “flexibility, because it’s related to the collagenous tendons, which is a part of our lean body mass, starts to decrease. Since our tendons connect our muscles to our bones, the perfect time to stretch is after your weight training sessions.”

She also recommends a total body stretch, which involves all major muscle groups. This should be done a minimum of two to three times a week. But ideally, these should be done after each workout when muscles are still warm.