Exercising for healthy joints

Healthy joints allow you to maintain the active lifestyle that you’ve grown accustomed to and allow you to continue to be active as you age. While your joints may wear down from activity and the passing of the years, protecting them with joint supplements will allow you to stay on your feet and ready for anything that comes your way.

The best exercises for maintaining healthy joints are weight-bearing exercises, such as running. Recent studies have found that healthy joints (those that haven´t been previously injured) show no evidence of damage by long-distance running.

But, be sure to stretch first, because it is critical in the prevention of muscles tightening and causing tendon problems.

If running is difficult for you, the walking strides are also healthful for joints and a good place to start.

Try the following:

* Stretch frequently. Even during rest breaks, gently flex or stretch your joints occasionally or change your position slightly to prevent stiffness.


* Massage your joints. Massage can help soothe a painful area, and you'll be moving other joints as you do so.


* If you'll be travelling by airplane, bus, or train or if you'll be sitting at a sporting event, concert, or movie, try to get an aisle seat. This will give you more room to stretch your legs frequently while seated. It will also make it easier for you to get up and move around once in a while.


* During long car trips, take advantage of rest stops to stretch and move around. If you're the passenger, do range-of-motion exercises for your fingers, lower legs, and neck while on the road.


* Avoid clenching objects for extended periods. If holding a pen is painful, try a computer or typewriter. Instead of holding a newspaper or book in your hands while reading, try laying it flat on a table or using a book stand. Instead of carrying a purse or briefcase with a handle, choose one with a shoulder strap.


Source : http://health.howstuffworks.com/how-to-treat-arthritis-pain-with-exercise1.htm