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How to Stay Active With Joint Pain

Posted on by Paula Gallagher

exerciseThere are many excuses that people make that stop them from exercising, and joint pain is one. Joint pain may inhibit some activity, but in no way should it stop you from exercising! The right exercises performed properly can be a long-lasting way to subdue ankle, knee, hip, or shoulder pain. For some people, the right exercise routine can even help delay or sidestep surgery. Exercise is great medicine, but it only works if you make the time to do it regularly. And sometimes the hardest part of a workout is getting started. Here are four ways to help you get get moving, and to stay active with joint pain: 1. Make the time: Skip several half-hour TV shows a week or work out while watching. Get up half an hour earlier each day for a morning workout. If big blocks of time aren't falling into your lap, try 10-minute walks, or half a workout in the morning and half in the evening. 2. Build activity into your daily routine: Take stairs, not elevators. When commuting, get off the bus or subway a stop or two ahead, or park farther away from your workplace. While on the phone, try a few stretches, pace, or do simple exercises like lunges, squats and heel raises. Bike or walk to work. When running errands within a reasonable radius, park your car in one spot and walk to different shops. Replace your desk and desk chair with a standing desk. Try substituting a stability ball for your desk chair a few hours a day. Rake leaves and shovel snow instead of using a leaf blower or snow blower. 3. Workout with a friend: Workouts with a friend can be more enjoyable, plus you're less likely to cancel if you have someone counting on you. 4. Bad weather: Join a gym or try a class in your community, or walk in the mall or an indoor athletic track at a local school. YouTube also has plenty of exercises geared toward many different goals, so take a look. Before trying anything new, consult with your doctor or a physiotherapist to see what exercises would be best for your specific needs. Supplements can also help ease some of the symptoms associate with joint pain. Photo from here, with thanks.
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