If you regularly work out at a moderate or intensive level, you may be concerned – as many people are – that exercise could “wear and tear” your knee and other joints. You can relax!
A research study published in the scientific journal of the American College of Sports Medicine, the largest sports medicine and exercise science organization in the world, shows that physical activity is actually beneficial to knee health. The main concern has always been that vigorous exercise could cause bony spurs called osteophytes, an overgrowth of bone tissue which develops in deteriorating joints and tendons, says Beaufort personal trainers. But these findings clearly show that physical activity, if done correctly, is not harmful to the knees. According to the research, spurs may be the body’s healthy response to ongoing stimulation from physical activity. As a matter of fact, rather than hurting the knees, exercise or Beaufort health and fitness activity has been shown to cause fewer injuries to the knees’ cartilage, a flexible connective tissue found in joints between bones.
Beaufort personal trainers point out that the study’s findings should reassure all those who forego exercise for the fear of injuring their knees. It is understandable that people want to protect their knee joints as well as related muscles and tendons because they play such an important role in how we move and carry the body weight. However, giving up Beaufort fitness activity altogether is not the answer. Essentially, it’s counterproductive to the end goal – it lends to weight gain, which adds more pressure to the knees. What you need is a safe way to exercise.
Everyone, and especially those who are susceptible to twisting and stretching injuries of the knee, would benefit from exercises and stretches that focus on the glutes, hips, quadriceps, hamstrings and calves.
A Beaufort personal trainer or Beaufort fitness expert can show you a whole range of exercises that are terrific for your knees’ strength and flexibility. What is also important is maintaining a healthy body weight so your knees don’t buckle under the added pressure; also wearing appropriate footwear. It’s important to note that while exercise is good for the knees, it is beneficial for all the other joints and bones as well.
Lack of exercise can make your joints more painful by weakening the supporting muscles. Just like for the knees, strength, flexibility and endurance training can make a world of difference in making all your joints less stiff and sore. A Beaufort personal trainer can guide you toward the most effective and safest exercises.