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.
