Healthy joints are key to comfortable movement. Fortunately, there are many things you can do every day to help keep them in top shape. Here are a few of the simplest ways to support healthy joints in your everyday activities.
Lifestyle Changes To Support Healthy Joints
Remember that exercise alone is often insufficient to maintain even the healthiest joints. You may also want to evaluate lifestyle habits ad then work to incorporate healthy ones into your routine. For example, getting enough sleep is critical to success. Here are a few other ways you can help keep your body in optimal condition:
Eat a Balanced Diet
Adopting a healthy diet rich in vitamins and minerals can support joints and other body systems. This should include lean proteins, fruits and vegetables, and healthy fats. Try to focus on whole foods or those that are only minimally processed. If your diet is lacking, consider adding joint health supplements to fill in any gaps. Look for options that include natural ingredients designed to support healthy body systems.
Limit Alcohol Intake
Observe recommends limits on alcohol intake to support overall health. For most adults, current guidelines put that at one to two drinks per day. However, new research suggests even that may be too much. If in doubt, talk to your healthcare provider about what is appropriate for you.
Use Exercise To Support Healthy Joints
Exercise is an essential part of daily life. It keeps joints lubricated and strong, supports balance, and is key to maintaining an optimal weight. However, many people hear the word exercise and automatically assume it means a trip to the gym or expensive equipment. Luckily, that isn’t the case. The following five exercises are simple, effective, and can be done daily without worry. Plus, they can all be done at home or wherever you find yourself.
Features of Joint-Supporting Exercises
Most exercises that support healthy joints share a few characteristics. These typically include movements that:
- Are weight bearing
- Strengthen muscles and ligaments around joints
- Occur in multiple planes of motion
- Cause minimal strain on joints
- Mimic natural motions
Simple Exercise To Try
Yoga
Yoga has increased in popularity over the past decade. Where it was once a fringe exercise, it is now firmly mainstream. That is excellent news for people looking to bring a gentle, accessible form of exercise into their daily routine.
You can perform yoga almost anywhere, and the many variations of chair yoga means that you don’t even have to get on the floor to get a good workout. Additionally, it is an excellent way to beat stress, which supports good health in multiple body systems.
Tai Chi
If yoga isn’t quite your thing, but you still want a gentle, relaxing form of exercise, you might prefer tai chi. It also focuses heavily on body awareness but asks you to pay attention more to your surroundings than internal components.
Tai chi is a great exercise for supporting healthy bodies, and people of all physical abilities can enjoy it. It is an excellent way to work joints and muscles in ways you ordinarily wouldn’t, helping maintain flexibility, range of motion, and strength.
Walking
Walking is one of the easiest, most accessible forms of exercise available. Most people can do it at some level, although you might have to work to increase distances and speeds. One of the best qualities of walking is that it can easily be a social activity.
Dancing
Keep things fun and fluid by dancing your way to strong joints. It is a weight-bearing activity that uses multiple planes of motion. On top of that, it helps promote relaxation and encourages positive feelings — both of which are important for maintaining a healthy body. Almost any type of dancing is good for you, so pick a style you enjoy and have some fun.
What you choose to do each day can help support joint health. Some examples include simple actions such as eating a balanced diet and including joint-supporting exercise in your day.