Joints Are Not Muscles

Weak joints need to be nudged to get stronger; not pushed.

Robert is an energetic, trim, attorney in his 40’s. He goes to Bikram Yoga several times a week for his “fitness” routine (Bikram Yoga is performed in a very warm environment). Fitness is very important to him; it’s part of his lifestyle. He likes the way Bikram Yoga makes him feel and he thinks it helps him keep his weight under control.

When I asked him if he ever did any other kind of exercise he said, “Oh, yeah, I used to work with a trainer at a gym but I just found that I hurt more and more after the sessions. I mean, it kept me lean and everything, but my body hurt too much.” In Robert’s case, he found another way to exercise that was kinder and gentler on his joints but not kind and gentle enough. He said that he still hurt; just not as much or as often.

To work through a joint weakness, you first get rid of everything you know to do for muscles including how hard you work, how fast, and how long.

Joints like things to be easy. Muscles like things to be tough.

Joints change slowly. Muscles change fast.

Joints need a lot of motion. Muscles need a lot less.

The kind of exercise you do to strengthen muscles is way too hard for a weak joint. In fact, weak joints are often the reason people either don’t exercise or eventually quit. They hurt too much; too often.

Joints need to be nudged into health; not pushed.

Joints are not muscles.