One of the most important things you can do to maintain health is to move your body. Being active supports muscle strength and flexibility and reduces joint stiffness. Our joints are lubricated with a substance called synovial fluid. Synovial fluid is thixotropic, meaning it can change consistency from a gel like substance to more of a liquid. The thickness of the substance is dependent on movement, a sedentary person is likely to experience stiff joints because the fluid in their joints is more gel-like, and an active person is less likely to experience stiff joints because the synovial fluid is more liquid.
Movement affects our bodies in various ways
Exercise tells our bodies to:
- Burn fat or glucose stored in our bodies
- Use any extra energy for tissue repair instead of storing as fat
- Eliminate accumulated waste products.
- Strengthen tissues such as muscles, tendons, ligaments, and bones
Staying active improves mental health by:
- Releasing endorphins and relieving stress
- Helping emotions move through our bodies
- Strengthening the connection we have with our bodies
Movement helps aging by:
- supporting brain health and function by helping new neurons grow.
- Maintaining existing brain structures,
- Slowing age-related mental decline.
How should I Move?
Adults need a minimum of 150 minutes of moderate activity per week or 22 minutes a day. Movement can take a number of forms and all types of movement are beneficial for our bodies and minds. No matter your fitness level, the more you move, the better your body will function. Being active can also be a great outlet to meet people, build community and find support in tough times.