Exercises to Strengthen Bones and Joints

There are certain conditions people can suffer from that make physical activity difficult. One of those is joint pain. Movement is restricted, but if you suffer from a type of joint pain don’t be discouraged. Exercise may not have to be cut out of your daily regimen.

There are several types of joint pain. Arthritis seems to be the most common. The joints get stiff and inflamed. Every time you move your fingers, bend your knees, bend or straighten your arms, the pain can be excruciating. Doing the things you love is tough enough without adding exercise to the equation. But, exercise is not the enemy.

There are many treatments for joint pain. Pain medicines allow for movement in the painful joint. Exercise will also help increase the strength in these joints for a stronger body. Here are some suggestions:

1. Dancing – you don’t have to be spinning and hopping all over the dance floor. Dancing classes like salsa, ballroom dancing, foxtrot and others are less demanding than some of the dances people are doing these days. Dancing provides full range of motion of the arms and legs. This is a combination of stretching and strengthening. Your abdominal muscles get a good workout when you dance. Keeping all of your joints in motion like that helps with pain management.

2. Ride a bicycle – bicycling provides a relaxing way to exercise. Your legs go through the full range of motion as you pedal. Adjust your bike seat so that you aren’t leaning over too much and hurting your back and also so your legs get a full stretch.

3. Weight training – this comes up often. There are very few conditions that weight training won’t help. Increasing muscle mass and strength is good for maintaining health. Muscles attach to bones and aid movement.

4. Aerobics – those who participate in impact sports can strengthen their bones. This is good for women who are prone to osteoporosis. Strong bones strengthen joints. Play a game of basketball or take an aerobics class. Work at your own pace and you will still see the benefit of your efforts.

5. Walking – walking burns calories and stretches your body. Some joint pain sufferers have weight issues and walking can get that weight off to lessen the pressure on the joints as you strengthen them. Walk with comfortable shoes and on even terrain like the school track or on a treadmill. Walking on rocky or uneven ground can do more harm than good because you can fall or twist an ankle.

Those who suffer from joint pain are suddenly limited in what they can do. It hurts to move their various joints. Exercise can help. Moving your body will increase flexibility, strength and lose some of the weight bearing in your joints.