Our joints are the hinges that allow us to move with ease. As we age, these hinges can become stiff and sore. Waking up with stiff joints is common. However, there are plenty of ways to keep your joints happy and healthy as you get older.
Move it or Lose It: Exercise is key! It strengthens the muscles that support your joints, improves flexibility, and helps maintain a healthy weight, reducing stress on your joints. Low-impact activities like walking, cycling, swimming and yoga are gentle on your joints while providing excellent cardiovascular benefits. It is also great to start your day with a nice stretch. Here is a quick one minute stretch.
Diet for Your Joints: What you eat matters! Eating an anti-inflammatory diet, rich in vegetables, fruits, nuts, lean proteins and smart carbs (potatoes, quinoa, brown rice) is the best. These foods provide essential vitamins and antioxidants to keep your body functioning optimally. And avoid processed, packaged foods and sugary foods which cause inflammation.
Supplements for Support: There are many supplements that can help support your joints. Collagen is my favorite! We naturally start to deplete collagen as we age and this can cause stiff joints and weak bones. Collagen helps lubricate the joints and strengthen the bones to make movements easier and with less pain. It is easy to add to your daily cup of coffee or tea. Anti-inflammatory supplements, such as Omega-3 fatty acids or Turmeric also help reduce inflammation to give your joints relief.
Extra TLC: My favorite feel-good activities for joints is using a heating pad, foam roller, Epsom salts and infrared saunas. They all both help softens up the soft tissue which helps give relief on your joints. These are all good daily habits to include in our routine as we age. I highly recommend a quick foam rolling session prior to working out. I also LOVE an epsom salt foot bath pre-post workout. Soaking your feet can give your whole body relief.
Invest in Good Shoes! A good pair of supportive shoes is key to keeping your whole body feeling better. Supportive shoes help absorb impact, it helps with proper alignment and helps with stability and balance. If you haven't been "fitted" before, I suggest going to a running store to get evaluated for the best shoe for you!
By incorporating these tips into your routine, you can keep your joints healthy and moving freely for years to come.
