When we have healthy joints, living an active lifestyle is so much simpler. As we age, years of workouts and daily activities can take a toll on our joint comfort. Maybe you’ve noticed some minor changes, like your knees feeling stiffer in the morning or some discomfort in your hips. These changes might not seem too alarming at first, but over time they could start to get in the way of enjoying your favorite activities.
Wear and tear on our joints is a normal part of life, especially when you’re active. Fortunately, there are things we can do to maintain our joint comfort. Here are some great ways to stay active and support healthier joints, no matter what your age or fitness level is!
Stretching Exercises
To support the flexibility of your joints, you may want to consider incorporating a light stretching routine into your workouts. Stretching boosts circulation, and it can also increase your range of movement. One of the keys to a successful stretching workout is to focus on gentle movement. Before you begin stretching, go for a short walk to loosen up your joints and warm up your muscles. As you stretch, use slow, steady movement and stretch only until you feel a little bit of tension. There’s no need to stretch until you feel uncomfortable!
Pay Attention to Posture
Did you know that slouching can contribute to joint stiffness or discomfort? Sitting and standing with good posture reduces the amount of strain you are putting on your muscles and spine. This, in turn, can improve the overall comfort of your joints. One easy way to improve your posture while sitting is to plant both of your feet flat on the floor. Sitting this way will help keep the upper part of your body more straight and upright.
Keep Moving
If you spend long periods of time each day sitting, you’ve probably noticed that your joints feel a little bit stiff when you get up. It’s totally normal to experience joint discomfort if you have been immobile for awhile. Fortunately, this is an easy fix! Simply remember to move a bit throughout the day. At work, set a timer and remember to get up every half hour or hour and move around a bit. Even some simple movement throughout the day can help you feel more limber.
These simple changes are a great way to support your joint comfort. By maintaining your joint flexibility and comfort, you’ll be able to continue enjoying your favorite activities!
