Your Joints and Weight Loss
There is a vicious cycle that exists regarding joint health and weight. Numerous studies have shown that the heavier you are, the greater pressure exerted on your joints, which can lead to more wear and tear and a higher risk of injuries. Unhealthy joints, in turn, can lead to a sedentary lifestyle—as movements become more and more uncomfortable and as a result, you continue to put on weight because of lack of exercise. Joint soreness can often be so debilitating that people who suffer from it are too afraid to try even the simplest of exercises in fear of aggravating the situation. To others, even a slow stroll can be uncomfortable, thus preventing them from trying anything more. But, there is a way to stop this cycle of ill health, and that is to begin exercising. Just because you suffer from poor joint health does not mean that you have to forgo any form of exercise. There are a number of ways to reduce your weight and improve your fitness levels without discomfort. You have to treat exercise as therapeutic to your joints as it actually helps to increase mobility and flexibility. But the reverse is also applicable. Lack of exercise may result in stiff, painful joints, which only further aggravates your joints. You can see why we have a problem here. Poor joint health may lead to lack of exercise, which may lead to weight gain, which may lead to increasingly poor joint health! What can we do? Exercise is the key!

Why should you exercise?
According to the Arthritis Foundation, for every pound of weight that you lose, you also reduce a load of four pounds on the knees for every step that you take. Even a moderate weight loss would therefore translate into less pressure on the hips, knees and spine. Exercise in fact, helps strengthen your bones and muscles around joints. In addition, exercise works as a powerful mood lifter and builds confidence and self esteem. A good workout will give you more energy throughout the day and lead to a well rested night’s sleep as well. After working out, you carry a sense of accomplishment and confidence that helps you push yourself further and challenge yourself more towards long lasting weight loss and fitness.

All excellent reasons to begin but what about those people who avoid exercise because they believe it will make the situation worse. They are afraid that exercise will cause more soreness and fatigue and leave them in a worse state than before. However, resorting to a sedentary lifestyle is actually the worst thing you can do to your joints. Doctors say that lack of exercise leads to weaker muscles and poor bone support. Ligaments and joints have to work harder to complete even the simplest of tasks and the condition can worsen, even risking bone breakage, the longer you avoid working out. As mentioned, lack of an exercise routine only stiffens your joints, making them more uncomfortable and sore. There are a number of exercises that even those suffering from achy joints can start off with. Speak to a qualified doctor or physical therapist to work out the best plan to ease you into a regular workout regimen.

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