This component of our daily life can have some nasty effects on our body. However, the good news is the solution to this problem is simple. STOP SITTING SO MUCH. Focus on spending time everyday reversing the harmful effects of sitting by doing some sort of maintenance. OR you can easily reduce the volume you are sitting to less than two hours at a time. This can be done by eliminating optional sitting at home and transitioning to a standing workstation at work. 

Footwear

Heeled shoes are enemy #1! They are another nasty contributor in developing unwanted muscle tension which leads to poor movement patterns. By raising the heel of your foot, NOT just high heels but pretty much every shoe, your muscle length and tension in your calves and quads are altered. This is a huge problem that many people don't even consider to be a issue to why their feet and joints hurt. Solution: Get shoes where the heel is not higher than the forefoot. Or, at least start to rotate a pair in more often than not. 

Increased Muscle Tension

This is something that if it goes unchecked our whole lives we will run into serious problems later on. I've heard a Dr. refer to muscles as obedient pets, they will do what they are told if you are consistent with keeping them well behaved. Doing some sort of maintenance exercises with your foam roller, lacrosse ball or softball are great tools that are like getting regular oil changes and alignments for our cars. However, if we forget to keep up with the maintenance of our body we don't get to replace it with a new edition. Start with the bottoms of your feet, calves, and quads. because of sitting and heeled footwear its a safe bet these spots will be tight. 

Another huge part to staying healthy as you age is strength and mobility. Pick a discipline that allows you work on these things such as yoga, tai chi, pilates, or even just a regular stretching routine. Also, we want to make sure you implement a regular strengthening program that is moving you through basic functional exercises (Squats, deadlifts, overhead presses etc). Adding these two components will keep you moving and keep your body feeling healthy. 

Have a Health Team! You are going to want to have a team that tells you what you NEED to hear and not want you WANT to hear. You want to pick a team that has your best interests in mind. Avoid clinics and gyms where you are put on a machine and then forgotten. Look for individuals and programs that teach you how to maintain your body.

SUMMARY

-Take care of your body and it will take care of you.

- 3 Major Reasons for joint breakdown: Poor movement mechanics, not enough movement, too much muscle tension.

- Perfrom routine maintnece on the body, keep strength and mobility up through functional movements. 

-Have a good team of doctors, physical therapists, and exercise specialists to guide you on your journey to healthy aging. 

You won't see the negative effects immediately if you neglect your body. It takes decades to show itself. Put the work in now and reap the benefits in your older years. Take ownership of your body because it is the only one you get! If you're confused and looking for a customized online or in person program tailored to your specific goals click here to schedule a free session or 20 min call.