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. |
