If you’ve ever twisted an ankle stepping off a curb, then you know that it’s not only painful but keeps you chair (or bedridden) for awhile.
If you’ve had a gout flare-up, it can be difficult to walk. Or if you simply haven’t been getting exercise, you may find yourself stiff and in pain.
Mobility is related to our ability to do everyday tasks like cut the grass, reach a glass on a shelf or carry laundry up the stairs. Most of us don’t think of it until we don’t have it.
Scientific studies from The Mayo Clinic have found a direct link between spinal health issues and other health concerns when the body isn’t getting the physical movement that it needs.
Staying active is more than improving your fitness level – It’s about keeping your joints active – keeping them flexible and mobile. This may not sound like too important of a health goal, but making sure your body is mobile and flexible is actually quite important because it means you can do all the things you want to do in your life.
Here are 7 Simple Tips To Improve Your Mobility
Tip #1: Use Warm-Up & Cool Down Stretches To Improve Mobility & Flexibility
(YouTube is your friend to find exercises that work for you)
A couple of favorites are:
Yoga with Adriene, Action Jacquelyn
Tip #2: Use Exercises That Help Improve Knee and Ankle Strength & Mobility
(Walking is a simple yet very effective way to do this)
Start with just 5-10 minutes a day if you’re really out of shape. A walk around the block only takes a few minutes but can clear your head and remind you of the world right around you. This benefits your mental health as well as physical.
Tip #3: Eat A Healthy Diet & Reduce Excess Weight
You know this is important. Extra weight puts stress on your joints and this can lead to injury. Even if you’re only a few pounds overweight, imagine you’re carrying around a watermelon or two.
Tip #4: Eat Foods that Fight Inflammation
(this means less white flour and more veggies)
Soon, the Doylestown Farmer’s Market will reopen with spring peas and asparagus and other in-season produce. Or, visit the grocery store of your choice and stock up. If you’re short on time and energy, buy frozen veggies for quick and healthy stir fry.
Salmon is also good anti-inflammatory food.
Tip #5: Involve Your Family For Accountability
Use an app like Pacer to track your activity levels, you will be amazed how addicting it will become when you see how many steps a day you take.
Tip #6: Use Supplements That Help What Ails You
(So many experts in our community can help you with this including Dr. Jeff)
Tip #7: Enroll in a Fitness Class – Karate, Yoga, Swimming, Tennis, Golf
Make movement a regular part of your life. You know the expression, “move it or lose it.” It’s true.
Mobility is essential for health and happiness. When we no longer can extend an arm, stand up straight or maintain balance or be agile, we run risks of falls and injuries.
Unfortunately, mobility continues to decrease as you age. So if you’re in your 40s, 50s, or older and have begun to wake up with aches and pains for no reason at all, starting a routine to improve your mobility is important.
Routine chiropractic adjustments can help you stay mobile and/or increase your mobility by keeping your spine flexible. If you’re in the Doylestown, Pa. area, we’d love to help you stay healthy and mobile with regular chiropractic care.
The most significant factor in improving mobility is your mindset. If you keep committed and motivated to a healthy active lifestyle you’ll be able to manage your mobility levels. Keep motivated and commit to a better quality of life!
