It isn't just about taking pills. To optimize exercise benefits, Wichmann and Walde-Douglas believe therapists should stress three main components. Patients should warm up with light stretching or walking in place before exercising. This increases blood flow to the muscles and helps prevent injury. Stretching will increase range of motion, improve joint mobility, help maintain posture, decrease the risk of muscle tissue injury and improve circulation.
Stronger muscles help prevent joint pain and facilitate erect posture.
Using light weights adds resistance to a regular program of strengthening, which fortifies muscles and bones. Allow four to five days at a movement repetition level before increasing the repetitions. This time frame gives muscles time to adjust to new demands. Aim for a minimum of exercising 20 to 30 minutes, at least three days a week, preferably every day. Conditioning includes any sustained activity using the entire body, giving the heart and lungs a workout in addition to the muscles.