Movement for joint health
Exercise helps to keep your joints strong, stable and mobile. Without physical activity, the joints can stiffen up, leading to problems.
Over your life, your joints take the force and strain of your weight as you move around. Although they are designed to be highly durable and resistant to wear and tear, they can become weaker with age.
As you age, you might start to find that your joints feel more painful and achy than usual. This is particularly the case if you suffer from joint-related conditions, such as arthritis or previous injuries.
However, physical activity isn’t just important for the older generation or those of you with joint-related health problems. It’s important for everybody. Exercise is one of the most effective ways to strengthen your joints and protect yourself from chronic diseases in the future.
Why is exercise important?
Here are some of the amazing benefits of regular physical activity:
- Strengthens the skeletal muscle
- Improved cardiovascular fitness
- Better endurance
- Improved bone health
- Easier weight management
- Increased energy
- Better mood
- Better sleep
- Improved balance
- Better coordination and agility
How to exercise for great joint health
The question is, how do you exercise in the best way for your joints? Here are some of the best forms of exercise to maximize your joint health through physical activity:
- Swimming
- Walking
- Elliptical trainer
- Rowing machine
- Strength training
Make sure to always warm up before doing any form of physical exercise. This can be something as simple as a quick, five-minute walk or some dynamic stretching to warm up the body and prepare it for exercise.
Dynamic stretching can also improve the range of motion around the joints, as can practicing regular mobility routines. Mobility encourages the joints to move through their full range of motion and maintains or improves your flexibility.