Is the
old quote “use it or lose it” related to exercise, activity
and keeping the body functioning, optimally? Is a sedentary
smedentary? Some reports say a sedentary life is tantamount
to accelerating one’s demise but is there any validity to the
theory? According to exercise physiologist regardless of age,
a lack of exercise can lead to losing muscle or muscle atrophy.
For instance, an
adolescent girl aged 17 in good physical health may lose muscles
if the majority of time is spent in front of a computer screen
or watching television. Muscle atrophy may trigger the muscles
in the spine and abdomen to waste away. The result of inactivity
leads to losing muscles.
It is the
primary reason medical professionals prescribe walking and getting
out of bed for patients who are hospitalized. When the body
is inactive, it affects numerous processes of the body; including
bowel movements and digestion. Nevertheless, muscle atrophy
from inactivity can be turned around via exercise.
On the other side
of the inactive equation, there are ways to put a little bounce
into a sedentary life. For starters, it begins with conferring
with a medical practitioner. Next, devise a fitness training
program customized to ones physical and medical needs.
For instance, an
arthritic patient may consider strength or resistance training
to stimulate circulation in the muscles. Moreover, stretching
is good for maintaining movement in the joints. In patients
diagnosed with osteoporosis, weight lifting may offer the health
advantages of building bone density or a means of strengthening
the bones. Another alternative for individuals who are susceptible
to knee injuries or joint pain from running on a treadmill is
swimming or aquatic aerobics.
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