Got Aches and Pains? Try This!

at 11:55AM, 1:55PM, and 3:55PM

The crick in the back. The pull in the shoulder. The "click" in the hip. Life's minor aches and pains. More and more of them nettle us as we age and we're just stuck with them. Right?

Wrong. Whether your pains are from old injuries, repetitive strains (gardening, cleaning, prolonged sitting, deskwork) or they just popped up inexplicably, there is something you can do about them. Traditionally, we think that something is rest or medication. But unless your physician has prescribed them, those "cures" can do more harm than good. The surprising solution to many aches and pains is -- exercise. Yes, exercise.

The stronger and more limber you are, the better you will feel. Guaranteed.

It has been estimated that before the Industrial Revolution the average human being exercised the equivalent of eight miles of walking a day--just to get life's everyday work done. We no longer have to cart the chickens to market two towns away, on foot, nor schlep the laundry down to the river, so our bodies may not get the exercise that's "natural" and necessary for their healthy operation. Remember, there is real wisdom in the old saying: use it or lose it.

Suzanne's guest on this episode of "Seeking Solutions..." is fitness expert from Weston Fitness, Sandy Weston. She discusses a few exercises we can do to help alleviate common aches and pains.

For hip problems...

Try a few pelvic thrusts every day

They're easy. They're saucy (put on some music and make a dance out of it). And they're a great way to loosen up the back and strengthen back and abdominal muscles. Simply place your hands on your hips and swing them (gently!--you don't want to throw something out) forward and back, then side to side.

Lunging

Keep your front knee directly above your front ankle, perpendicular to the floor. Stretch your back foot behind you, but not so far as to let your knee touch the floor. Press down gently, trying not to bend the back leg. This will stretch and strengthen your hip as well as many other leg muscles.

Pelvic Bridge

Lie on your back with your knees bent and lift your hips off the ground and hold. Repeat. These will work our your lower back as well.

For back pain...

Crunches

Remember: your abdominal muscles are the "front of your back." A strong stomach will support your back and relieve pressure on it. Crunches are somewhat like old-fashioned sit-ups, except that you raise your back off the floor only enough to feel tension in your abdominal muscles, or just until your shoulder blades are off the floor (not enough to raise yourself all the way up). Keep your knees bent and feet flat on the floor to avoid straining your lower back.

"Swimmers"

Lie on your stomach with your arms stretched out in front of you. Now lift your right arm and lift leg simultaneously. Lower each simultaneously. Now switch and lift the other arm and leg simultaneously.

Work out with an exercise ball

You may have seen these giant plastic balls in the sporting goods