Keeping Your Body Strong
By Stephen R. Farris
Keeping your muscles strong helps the joints in your body. But as we grow older and become a little less active, there's a chance our muscles become weaker and less supportive to our joints. This can cause problems over time, such as joint pain in our ankles, knees, elbows, shoulders and even in our back.
It's important throughout our lifetime to maintain some type of physical activity other than going to work every day. We need to keep our muscles and joints strong. After all, retirement is in the near future for some of us and wouldn't it be fun to be healthy enough to go hiking in the mountains or touring the castle ruins in Europe once we reach that point?
Exercise Is Important
Most back pain occurs in people that are a little obese, but it can happen with anyone. A good exercise regime for any body type can help keep your muscles and joints strong, especially in your core area. Keeping your core strong helps reduce the chances of getting down lower back pain. If you're a little overweight, combine exercise with a nutritional diet that has plenty of proteins, minerals and fiber that will give your body what it needs to keep those muscles and joints intact.
There are many exercises you can do to strengthen your core. Some of these include sit-ups (crunches if you prefer), aerobic exercise, Pilates, yoga, tai chi, swimming and weight training. The key to success is to make exercise a part of your daily routine. Take a few minutes each day in the beginning and add more each session, until you can go for at 30 minutes per workout or longer if you want. Just be sure to not overdo it. Ask a family member, neighbor, friend or co-worker to join you. There's nothing more enjoyable than exercising in pairs or with a group.
Chiropractic Option
A visit to your local chiropractor can be useful and beneficial. Your local chiropractor can examine you and suggest treatment options for back pain, as well as joint pain in your legs, arms or shoulders. They can offer guidance on your nutritional well-being and give you advice on exercising too. The main thing, no matter what your age, is to have an active and healthy lifestyle. So what are you waiting for? Get up and start moving!
To learn more about your health, wellness and fitness, see your local chiropractor at The Joint Chiropractic in Houston, Tex.