Physical Activity Can Help Those Creaky Joints

By Donna Stark

Do you remember watching the Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz, and have you ever had times in your life when stiff muscles and creaky joints left you feeling the exact same way? Maybe you are even struggling with those right now! If your job is keeping you in a chair for too long during the day or if it's taking you longer to heal from an injury, your movements may be no better than what the Tin Man's were when he was at his worst. Whatever the case may be, squirting some oil on your joints isn't going to help. In fact, the only thing that will keep your body in motion is movement itself.

Movement Is Key

By exercising and stretching daily, you can alleviate the tension and strain in your body while also restoring your range of motion and mobility. However, before you rush out the door to sign up for the next marathon that comes running through town, you may want to plan for a slower start. Here are some great ideas on how to reintroduce physical activity into your life.

• Start small - Doing too much too soon can be mentally and physically overwhelming, and that can leave you feeling frustrated and defeated before you even begin to notice improvements. Remember, your body isn't feeling its best, so start with smaller increments and build from there. You may also want to check with your doctor to get cleared before you begin.
• Be realistic - A couple of things you need to consider when planning your workouts are your habits and your daily schedule. If you can't wake up in the mornings, a sunrise jog won't work. And if you know you can't commit to more than one hour at the gym, don't schedule three. It's important to make sure your goals align with what your daily life looks like.
• Find motivation - Designing a plan is easy. Following it is something else, so make sure you are adequately motivated to stay on course. Inviting a friend or family member to join you is a great way to stay consistent and to keep your motivation levels strong. 
• Choose appropriate attire - If it's been some time since you exercised regularly, you may need to update your clothing and gear. Make sure your attire is appropriate for the environment you will be working out in and check your shoes. They should offer plenty of support and have good traction.

No More Creaking

Don't let your body turn into the Tin Man! By taking the time to plan for more physical activity into your days and following the suggestions above to get started, it won't be long until your joints can finally stop creaking! Good luck!

To learn more about your health, wellness, and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Eagan, Minn.