Are you approaching your 40s and already facing issues with your legs?
As we age, more and more people start complaining of problems with their bodies, such as pain in the legs or knees.
While adopting a correct fitness routine is great, you should actually be doing it before you step into your 40s.
Here are some mistakes around fitness many people end up making, which can put them at higher risk of leg problems, such as risk of falling, balance and mobility problems.
Overtraining your legs
Many gym or fitness freaks end up overtraining their legs. This can lead to muscle fatigue, strain, and injury. You need to let go of the ‘no pain, no gain’ philosophy and listen to your body when it is injured or worn out.
Not stretching
Cardio and weight lifting are given a lot of importance in the world of fitness trends. However, a simple and essential element that many of us end up skipping is stretching.
According to a study published in the Journal of Physical Therapy Science, stretching plays a crucial role in maintaining flexibility, improving range of motion, and reducing risk of injury. Make sure you stretch after you do your warm up and do not stretch so much that it will cause pain. Warm up is also an essential part of a workout routine to avoid injuries later.
Doing excessive high-impact exercises
High-impact exercises such as running are beneficial to improve your fitness levels. However, excessive HIIT workouts can l be hard on your joints. Make sure you perform them with the right equipment, such as running on a proper track while wearing good sports shoes.
Further, keep mixing various forms of training and do not stick to only hardcore HIIT workouts as overuse of the same muscles repeatedly can increase your risk of injury.
Ignoring leg pain
Pain is your body’s way of telling you that something’s wrong. Immediately stop working out and seek professional advice. It is important to give time for healing and muscle recovery.
Neglecting nutrition
A crucial non-workout element for fit, healthy and strong legs is your diet. Nutrition plays a key role in regulating your weight. Carrying excessive weight can put pressure on your joints, increasing your risk of hip pain, knee pain, or even osteoarthritis in the long run.
Eat a balanced diet rich in healthy sources of protein, vitamins, and minerals to support healthy weight management and stronger legs in your 40s and beyond.
