Let’s Get Moving: Joint-Friendly Workouts
With spring nearly here (temps today in the 50s for those of you in Metro Detroit!), we feel a renewed energy to get outside and enjoy the environment. Exercise is a great way to do something good for yourself while also enjoying the great outdoors.
As we age our bone loss often accelerates, causing a change on our bone density and mobility. What once was a nice run around the neighborhood is now a more painful and slower jog. If you are feeling less flexible and have sore joints after workouts – fear not. You can still stay active while putting less pressure on your joints.
These seven activities can help you stay active, without as much pain.
- Swimming. Swimming is a great low-impact and joint-happy activity. Not only does swimming help engage almost all your body parts, but the water gives you buoyancy, so you’ll float through your exercise session without putting pressure on your joints.
- Water aerobics. Similar to swimming, water aerobics are also a great type of exercise to give your joints a rest. Water aerobics uses the resistance of the water (or added weights) to activate your muscles.
- Walking. Walking is a great and easy way to exercise without going overboard on your joints. You can walk around your neighborhood, at a local park or trail, on a track, on a treadmill, or around a city.
- Dancing. Dancing is simply about moving your body in a way that feels right to you. There is no “correct” way to dance – and sometimes that is exactly what you need.
- Low-impact cardio machines. There are more options than the treadmill when you enter the gym. Try out any of the following machines such as elliptical machines, rowing machines or an exercise bike to get a great workout with low impact to your body.
- Yoga. You don’t have to be flexible to practice yoga – you become flexible by practicing yoga! Yoga is a great way to introduce more mindfulness and balance into your life. Not only will you gain flexibility, but it can also help decrease blood pressure, improve mood, build strength, and force mindfulness into your life.
- Rest and recharge. This is a very important part of joint health management. Like in any workout, pay attention to your body – you know it better than anyone else. So if you are in pain or hurting it is okay and important to take days and time off to rest and recharge. As always, please contact your PCP with any concerns or call 911 in an emergency.
These tips are sure to make your joints and your body much happier than other high-intensity workouts or activities. By caring for our joints, body, and bones we will live a happier and more pain-free life. So now you can get out there and get moving. Happy exercising!
