How Does Lack of Exercise Affect One's Ability to Move?

The human body is designed to be mobile. And if people lived lifestyles that allowed them to consistently move and build muscle, they could reduce many of their health issues. The more that people become sedentary in their lifestyles, the more their ability to live healthy lives and move fluidly is hindered. By not exercising, you may be hurting every aspect of your health, which ultimately will cause movement disorders.

  1. Chronic Disease

    • According to a 2012 article published in the journal “Comprehensive Physiology,” “Physical inactivity is a primary cause of most chronic diseases.” When people are sick, they are more likely to be sedentary, which further increases health issues. Their joints and muscles are affected, and eventually, it hurts to move. This may cause people to be even more sedentary.

      The list of diseases related to lack of exercise is long and includes common disorders such as rheumatoid arthritis, degenerative joint disease, bone dislocations and even fractures. In addition, breast cancer, various heart conditions, mental and pain disorders have all been linked to not exercising.

    Inflammation

    • If you do not get the exercise that your body requires and your joints remain dormant for extended periods, your body thinks something is wrong and signals the inflammatory response to kick in as a defense mechanism. Soon thereafter you start to get aches and pains all over. Swelling is also common, which complicates the problem and prevents a full range of motion.

    Muscle Atrophy and Tightness

    • Muscle weakness is inevitable when people don’t exercise and will invariably lead to atrophy. Subsequently -- as is the case with weak calves -- the entire kinetic chain is affected so that your thighs and feet muscles will compensate and work harder because your calves aren’t doing their job. If this lasts long enough, the muscles in your hip will get recruited to help, and then your shoulders. This will cause a number of movement disorders such as restricted range of motion, inability to do common chores and activities, walking disturbances and pain. As a defense mechanism, muscles will also tighten due to lack of use and may develop painful trigger points, which perpetuates the problem.

    Excess Weight

    • The Mayo Clinic stresses the importance of maintaining a well-balanced exercise routine.

      By not exercising, people have the tendency to gain weight. Soon thereafter, their joints get overstressed and this often leads to nerve damage and severe pain, all of which hinder and prevent fluid movement. The Mayo Clinic notes that exercise can combat the problem, adding that, “Any movement, no matter how small, can help.” So keep a well-balanced approach. Incorporate-range-of-motion, strength training and aerobic exercises in addition to a wide variety of fun activities to keep you moving.