JOINT HEALTH
Our nation is currently facing an obesity epidemic. According to the CDC, the prevalence of obesity was 39.8 and affected 93.3 million US adults in 2015-2016. Obesity-related conditions include heart disease, stroke, type 2 diabetes and certain types of cancer, as well as osteoarthritis (also known as wear-and-tear arthritis). Severe joint pain is more common among those adults with osteoarthritis who also have other chronic conditions, which include diabetes, heart disease, and obesity.
The CDC and other groups are working tirelessly to develop programs to reduce arthritis and chronic joint pain. These programs share the common themes of positive lifestyle changes and patient self-management.
Perhaps one of the most elegant solutions, in my opinion, comes from CrossFit and CrossFit Health. CrossFit is defined as “constantly varied high-intensity functional movement coupled with meat and vegetables, nuts and seeds, some fruit, little starch, and no sugar.” While you may think of muscle-bound uber athletes like Mat Fraser when you hear “CrossFit,” the intention of the CrossFit movement is to promote health through diet and physical activity in the everyman. Yes, that includes you. According to CrossFit, “the CrossFit stimulus…prepares you for the demands of a healthy, functional, independent life and provide a hedge against chronic disease and incapacity.”
Isn’t this something we all want? To remain functional and independent into old age?
It has been said that the needs of Olympic athletes and our grandparents differ by degree, not kind. We all need to embrace a nutritious, whole foods diet (meat and vegetables, nuts and seeds, some fruit, little starch, and no sugar) and keep our bodies moving through full range of motion on a daily basis. Athletes of all ages and abilities, including our elderly population, can benefit from what CrossFit has to offer. The program works for everyone, including people who are just starting out and athletes who have trained for years. Take, for example, the squat. A seasoned athlete may gradually progress their back squat with increasing weight on the bar. In the very same class, a school age child may be learning proper squat mechanics while a grandmother is practicing her sit-to-stand transition. If you don’t believe me, search “CrossFit grandma” on Google or YouTube.
What about injuries? The CrossFit lifestyle is characterized by safe, effective exercise. Workouts can be adapted for people at any age and level of fitness. Studies have shown that the incidence of injuries in CrossFit is lower than many common athletic pursuits, including football, tennis, soccer, gymnastics, basketball, and even running.
CrossFit participants are losing weight and reversing – yes, reversing – chronic diseases like type 2 diabetes. CrossFit doesn’t have to be the vehicle for change, although a certified CrossFit trainer can certainly help to guide you. The important take-home message is that any plan for health and/or weight loss must include a combination of lifestyle changes focusing on both diet and exercise. Find a way to get off the carbs and off the couch, and your joints will thank you.
