Walking the dog. Laughing at a joke. Throwing a softball. Playing a violin. From the powerful to the refined, your body’s movements are made possible by muscles. Contracting and relaxing as part of an elaborate orchestration governed by your nervous system, your muscles allow you to engage with life to the fullest.
And, as anyone who’s ever experienced a pulled muscle can tell you, your muscles can also be a source of intense discomfort. Muscle pain is a common complaint and can be caused by a range of factors, from minor injuries to severe disease. Muscle tissue gradually decreases as a natural part of the aging process if nothing is done to counteract this trend. This may lead to a vicious cycle - you may avoid activity due to weakness or fear injuries and falling, and yet being inactive causes further frailty, which can lead to a fall and ultimately loss of independence.
You don’t have to be a bodybuilder to appreciate the importance of strong muscles. A physical activity routine that includes strength training is one of the best medicines at any age. Taking good care of your muscles can help you reduce pain and maintain mobility and function for life.
