Chiropractic Gym Gains
By Chris Brown
Those seeking muscle growth are continually looking for ways to improve their effectiveness in the gym: varying sets and rep counts, overcoming plateaus, and altering cardio versus anaerobic ratios. An often-overlooked ingredient to building more muscle, though, is the benefit of regular chiropractic care. In a Bodybuilding.com interview with chiropractor Dennis Lee, he explains how chiropractic adjustments can help support gains in the gym.
Increased Mobility and Flexibility = Heavier Lift Potential
Chiropractic adjustments are known to significantly increase flexibility and generate synovial fluid in patients' joints for improved mobility. An article from the International Weightlifting Federation highlights how flexibility is directly correlated with weight room performance. It points out that flexibility allows the body to balance as it is designed and lever its full range of motion to lift heavier weights. Lifting heavier weights means larger muscular growth.
Decreased Bodily Stressors = Boosted Muscle Recovery and Growth
When joints, or the spinal column, are inflamed from heavy activity, it causes both a stressor response and decreased nervous system function. These combine to focus the body's communication network (now obstructed by spinal inflammation) on repairing joints. By clearing the blockages with chiropractic realignment, the body no longer has to direct as much energy towards inflammation. Instead, it can allocate resources towards building muscle fibers and producing quicker growth in the process. In addition, improved nervous system communication benefits immune response, which releases even more energy that is normally reserved to tackle daily germ exposure.
Injury Prevention = More Time in the Gym
Chiropractic adjustments can proactively correct muscular imbalances before they become injuries. A DC (doctor of chiropractic) can analyze a patient's posture and body movements to determine if, for instance, one muscle has been overworked and is therefore inhibiting the opposing muscle. Muscular imbalance is a bodily time bomb set to keep you from the gym with a muscle strain or joint injury. The chiropractor can attempt to regain muscular synergy by stretching the overworked side and taking stress off of the joint. They also may advise which muscles need focus in the gym to regain musculoskeletal balance. This balance means more consistent time muscle-building in the gym and less recovering from injury. Dr. Lee emphasizes that visiting a chiropractor is a lifestyle change towards better health and balance, not a one-time fix. So consistent chiropractic work should be part of anyone's fitness routine.
To attend a chiropractic session and start seeing improvements in the gym, visit The Joint Chiropractic today. Walk-ins are welcome, and all services are affordable without medical insurance. The Joint doctors are excited to provide consultations and start your journey towards a stronger body.
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Houston, Tex.