Increase your energy by getting up, moving
“Do you feel sluggish or fatigued, as if it’s difficult to motivate yourself to get moving? Do your sore muscles or achy joints just add to that lack of motivation? If so, your body may be experiencing some physical problems,” according to a news release from Joint Effort Physical Therapy.
Living a sedentary life is one of the main reasons why people report having low energy or feeling chronic day-today aches. Long car commutes, desk jobs, watching TV once you get home from work — many people live their lives this way, with very little physical activity. “While it may not seem like it is making an impact at the time, this type of sedentary lifestyle can damage your body over time. Contact Joint Effort Physical Therapy today to figure out how a consistent exercise plan can increase your energy and help you live a healthier life,” the release said.
Why is physical activity so important?
“When you don’t participate in frequent physical activity, your muscles begin to weaken and over time they can even begin to atrophy. Inactive lifestyles also cause joints to become stiff and can alter the physiological chemical processes within your body. In fact, your circulation and lymphatic systems can slow down, which can pose harmful risks. These systems work in producing and excreting toxic wastes (such as cholesterol) and these wastes can build up when the systems aren’t functioning as efficiently as they should,” the release said.
Lack of movement and poor posture are the causes of several types of pain, including lower back pain, neck pain, hip pain, knee pain, shoulder pain and headaches. “A slumped posture can even change the shape of your spine over time, in addition to closing your shoulder joints and tightening up the tissues around your hips. These consequences can cause severe pain and may result in a host of other problems if lifestyle changes are not made,” said.
How can I get moving? There is one fundamental rule of the human body: it was made to move!
“There are several reasons why people may not want to participate in physical activity. Perhaps your body simply doesn’t move the way it used to, or perhaps painful areas of your body make it difficult to move in the ways you’d like. Whatever the case may be, the truth is that restriction in movement has the potential to lead to harmful health problems,” it said.
Some easy pain-relief and energy-boosting steps you can take on your own include:
1. Decide to get up and get moving
2. Get up from your chair every 20 minutes and walk around, even if it is just for a few seconds.
3. Walk or exercise at least
30 minutes every day.
4. Drink plenty of water.
5. Stretch your legs, hips, spine, and neck for 10 minutes every day.
6. Don’t push yourself too far if you feel pain.
7. Make sure you are sitting properly at your desk or computer.
8. Take frequent breaks for breathing exercises. Inhale and exhale deeply.
9. Stretch your arms overhead frequently throughout the day.
10. Do strengthening exercises two to three times per week.
“In order to be healthy, there needs to be a large emphasis on movement. When your body is flexible, strong, well-balanced, and fueled by a nutritious diet, it is able to perform at its optimal levels. At Joint Effort Physical Therapy, we are dedicated to helping you live the best life you can, and our movement experts would be more than happy to help you relieve your pain, realign your body, and get moving once again. If you are looking for assistance in living a more physically active life, contact us today,” the release said.
Call 501-781-2701 or visit http://www.jephysicaltherapy.com for more information.