How to ward off muscle aches and pains

If you've ever completed a vigorous workout, then you've probably experienced some muscle aches and pains. There's nothing unusual about that.

What about those aching joints?

That is swelling and stiffness that just doesn't go away when you get out of bed in the morning?

Should you halt your workouts because the aches and pains in your joints keep you from feeling up to par?

The simple answer is, "no!" Keeping up your fitness regimen is an important component in warding-off those pesky aches and pains.

Exercise, along with other key factors, can actually help you live pain free.

Judi Sheppard Missett, CEO and founder of Jazzercise, provides tips for minimizing joint pain while you stay active:

Warm-Up - Before engaging in your workout regimen or sports activity, take about five minutes for light stretching and warm-up. Failing to stretch before your workout can exacerbate inflammatory problems, such as tendonitis or bursitis.

Pump some iron - Weight-bearing exercises not only build muscle, but also help to strengthen your joints. Creating stronger muscles means that your joints are better stabilized, and are less likely to ache in the long run.

Slim down - Extra pounds create quite a bit of stress on your joints. Swedish researchers recently reported that women with a body mass index higher than 24 were more likely to undergo knee or hip replacements. That's because extra weight increases your risk for osteoarthritis, particularly in the joints that bear the brunt of your weight.

Butt Out - Smoking wreaks havoc on your joints by lowering the amount of oxygen in your blood and hindering bone growth. Quit your cigarette habit, and you may just find that you have fewer swollen joints.

•Pay Attention - Don't ignore prolonged swelling or stiffness in your joints. It may be a sign that you have an autoimmune disorder, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or fibromyalgia. Talk to your doctor right away because early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent permanent damage to your joints.

Information was provided by Becky Mooneyham, certified instructor for Jazzercise located in Spring Hill. She can be reached at jazzyham@yahoo.com or 352-442-8595. For additional information on Jazzercise visit the website at www.jazzercise.com.