Movement is life! It is difficult to argue with this fact. But, with age, very active sports may destructively affect even the strongest joints.
Such sports include basketball, running, football, tennis, volleyball, and other team sports. But we are not saying that if your joints hurt, then you need to abandon any activity for the sake of lying on the couch. A sedentary lifestyle is just as bad for the joints as big loads. Perhaps this article will help you reconsider your views on sports and choose something that will benefit aching joints. It is better to select one of the low-impact sports from our list that appeals to you the most.
Swimming.
This sport is number one on our list for a reason. Water relieves the physical load of the body weight on all joints. When you swim, almost all muscles work - from arms to the core (abs) and legs. During swimming, you not only relieve your joints but train the muscles also (by exercising your back, arms, and abs while swimming).
Perhaps you will enjoy swimming so much that you will decide to take your skills to a competitive level. And then it will benefit your health and allow enjoy the competition.
Swimming is favorable for your joints, supports your heart rate, builds endurance, trains your muscles and cardiovascular system, helps you maintain a healthy weight, heart, and lungs, tones your muscles, and builds strength.
Swimming (in the form of a relaxing activity) is excellent for relieving stress, improving coordination, balance, and posture, improving flexibility, and also provides good therapy for some injuries.
Rowing or kayaking.
When rowing, the movements are cyclical and practically do not affect the joints. The emphasis in this sport is on the upper body, including the shoulders and arms. If you have problems with your knees or hips, rowing a boat or kayak is a great choice.
Bicycling.
Cycling is also great for your joints. While cycling, the knees, ankles, hips, and back are not heavily loaded, but all major muscle groups are involved.
Unlike some other sports, cycling does not require high physical skills, causes less stress, and has less injury. Cycling also increases endurance, strength, and aerobic fitness.
Cycling will also save money on travel if you get to work/home by bike instead of a car or public transport. Besides, it helps to get some fresh air also ;)
Bowling.
Yes, bowling is a team sport, which in our country is considered more entertainment than a sport. However, bowling is a fun and competitive game with many health benefits. For example, bowling toning and strengthening muscles (since you need to walk with a ball in your hands). When you swing your arm to throw a bowling ball, the resulting stretch and flexion provide enough load to the tendons, ligaments, muscles, and arm joints. With the help of bowling, you can lose excess weight quite well by accelerating your metabolism. Although the game is limited to a small area, constant movement during the game helps to burn excess fat. Besides, bowling is an excellent reliever of psychological stress.
Yoga.
Yoga may not be a sport in itself, but it has a significant impact on joint health for sure. It maintains muscle flexibility, reduces tension, and improves joint flexibility. In addition, regular yoga practice can help a person with arthritis build muscle strength and improve balance.
If your joint pain is too severe, consult your doctor about which sports will be advantageous for your health. And if the doctor recommends using a bandage or an elastic bandage, ask for bandages TM MedTextile at the pharmacies of your city. Be healthy!
