“A body in motion stays in motion; a body at rest stays at rest.” – Sir Isaac Newton on the First Law of Motion.
We must thank the famous physicist for discovering the laws of motion. This law, however, extends far beyond atoms and molecules. We can apply it to our body, motivation, and everyday life.
As the body begins to age, motion is more important than ever. Muscles pulling on bones INCREASE bone density thanks to a process we understand called Wolff’s Law.1 The pressure created from muscle fibers pulling at the junction where they join bones increases the body’s ability to remodel bone on a cellular level. The process, in turn, reduces the risk of diseases like osteoporosis.
Increased muscle tone also leads to a decrease in fall risk.2 This process works in two ways. First, as our muscle tone increases, the body is more robust and able to hold itself up than someone with less muscle tone. Secondly, as we train our body through a full range of motion at joints (like in the spine, hip, knee, and feet), our body learns how to move through this range of movements better. This makes it easier for us to recover from a misstep or slip.
Recommendations
The CDC currently recommends 150 minutes of exercise per week for adults.3 These 150 minutes can be broken up into three 50-minute workouts, five 30-minute workouts, or whatever your schedule allows. The trick here is making sure you work that into your day-to-day routine. If the workout is too intense, or we’re too sore after it, we’re less likely to continue that routine.
Some of our favorite things to do for spinal health are aquatic exercises. These allow the body to achieve a full range through our joints with a fraction of the body weight that normal gravity has on us. Activities like swimming laps or even walking in a lazy river are excellent for strengthening muscles and decreasing the risk of falls.
Silver Sneakers Program
As more research and information is coming out about the benefits of routine exercise, insurance companies are taking notice. Many Medicare Advantage plan members may be eligible for free gym memberships at participating locations. To check on eligibility, please click on this link: https://www.silversneakers.com/learn-more/.
For our local Livonia/Redford/Farmington Hills patients and our local favorites for access to quality workout equipment and a pool, check out the Jack E. Kirksey Livonia Recreation Center (located at 5 Mile and Hubbard in Livonia). They are members of the silver sneaker program.
Whether seeking relief from chronic pain or simply aiming for optimal health, your Livonia chiropractor guides you every step of the way. Contact our office to schedule an appointment by Clicking Here or giving us a call today: 734-427-6333