Keep moving
When I talk about moving, I mean your body not your house. In fact, there are so many benefits that come from moving that there is really not a downside. Your body loves to move, wants to move and can't live without it. As you exercise, your body releases chemicals in your brain that tell your whole body it is happy. The amazing thing is that after you exercise your body experiences its natural high, which can last for hours.
Aerobic exercise is what makes your heart and lungs healthy. This type of exercise actually makes your heart muscle bigger and stronger and then your lungs can tolerate everyday activities, such as climbing stairs and riding your bike with your kids. More than 25 years ago a gentlemen I know was told that his heart was so bad that in under five years he would need to have bypass surgery. This man was so distraught by the diagnosis that he became determined to become proactive. He decided that he would begin doing something for his heart everyday. And he did. He lost 50 pounds and he walks four miles everyday rain or shine. Doesn't matter if he is in Key West, Fla., or Seattle, he does his aerobic exercise. It is just part of his life.
Stretching is another form of exercise. It is one of those types of exercises that you either love it or you can't stand it. The fact is your joints and your muscles need it. Joints get their nutrition by compression and decompression. This in turn makes more synovial fluid, which can then lubricate the joints. Synovial fluid is to the joint what oil is to a car. When there isn't much of it in your joints or your car don't work so well. Muscles on the other hand get stiff and tight when we only use them to be a weekend tennis player or golfer. Your muscles need a consistent pattern of stretching to maintain their health and then you can avoid things like tendonitis and bursitis.
In her recent book, J. Meyer states that there are three things in your life you should never give up on. One is your health, the second is the people you love and the third is your finances. Because of my profession in physical therapy it always amazes me how such a simple thing, as taking time out everyday to do a little moving, can be so misunderstood. So ask your friend or your spouse to join you and do a little moving today.
Sheree DiBase, PT, can be reached at Lake City Physical Therapy (208) 667-1988 and if you need a little help with knowing what to do to get moving our staff of qualified physical therapists can help you get going.