5 Joint-Saving Workout Tips

We know workouts are important for our health and fitness, but it can also be hard on our joints. Whether you crave a long run, cycle three times a week, or enjoy HIIT workouts, it’s important to be kind to your joints, especially more injury prone areas like the knee or shoulder. Caring for your body is possible with a combination of workout gear, supplements, and different workouts.

5 Ways to Save Your Joints While Working Out

Invest in Quality Shoes

Each sport has different requirements when it comes to gear, but shoes are arguably the most important. Shoes are the foundation of exercise, and ill-fitting and ill-supporting shoes can throw your hips and knees out of alignment. Because of this, it’s important to invest in high-quality shoes.

For running, many specialty running stores will help you find the best model for your foot shape and type of running (pavement, trail, etc). If you lift often or do dynamic workouts like Crossfit, look for a shoe that will support you through various exercises like lifting, plyometric movements, and sprints.

Take Time for Recovery

Rest days are as important as active days, and recovery is important. Failing to take enough rest days (one to three days a week, depending on your fitness level) can lead to overtraining and can hurt your efforts rather than help them. Stretching, yoga, foam rolling, and epsom salt baths can all help your body recover from your workouts so your next workout is a strong one.

Mix Up Your Routine

It’s important to find something you love so that you look forward to working out, but mixing up your workouts is also a great way to challenge your body and to keep your body guessing instead of plateauing. If you typically run five days a week, try replacing one of those days with a swim, bike, or some strength training.

Add Inflammation-Reducing Foods

There are a number of foods that can help reduce inflammation, like turmeric and tart cherries. Turmeric hasn’t been widely studied, but there is evidence suggesting that it helps people remain active. Additionally, tart cherries have a number of other health benefits in addition to reducing inflammation, like naturally-occurring melatonin.

If you’re having trouble working in a spice like turmeric into your diet, consider adding in a high quality supplement once a day. (Be sure to consult your doctor before adding in a supplement or changing up your exercise routine.)

Start Taking Collagen Daily

You know we love our collagen, because it’s not only great for your skin and nails, but the amino acids help improve your cartilage and bone matrix. Collagen has similar joint benefits to gelatin, but it doesn’t solidify and works in both hot and cold beverages. You can also take capsules or chews. With the variety of products, it’s easy to fit collagen into your lifestyle. Once you begin taking collagen on a daily basis, you’ll begin to feel the results!

An active lifestyle is important, but it’s also easy to start feeling some aches and pains, especially when trying something new. With these few tips, you can get back to doing the exercise you love with a strong, healthy body.

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