Dubai Fitness Challenge to strengthen bones and joints

Health experts in the UAE believe that exercise is essential in maintaining good bone development, muscle function, and joints.

“Physical activity strengthens bones and joints by building the muscles. As such, the ‘Dubai Fitness Challenge’ introduced by Sheikh Hamdan Bin Mohammad Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Crown Prince of Dubai and Chairman of The Executive Council of Dubai Government and Dubai Sports Council is a perfect initiative to help maintain strong muscles and healthy bones,” said Dr. William D. Murrell Jr., of Emirates Integra Medical and Surgery Centre, an Emirates Healthcare company. “We are thrilled to take up the challenge and to share it with our patients,” he added.

It is a noted fact that joints require motion to stay healthy. Long periods of inactivity cause the joints to stiffen and the adjoining tissue to weaken. However, a moderate exercise program that includes low-impact aerobics, swimming, walking, jogging, and strength training has several physical benefits including weight control, and causing healthier cells and tissue that are more capable of keeping our bodies in the best condition.

“People who exercise regularly can perform daily chores better and remain independent longer than their inactive peers.  Physical exercise in any form acts in a positive way on the bone mass, its density, texture, and even activates our bodies own stem cells to keep bones in a great state. As such, it is important that UAE citizens exercise on a regular basis to have beneficial effects on muscle power and endurance, protecting bones, and avoiding injury,” added Dr. Murrell.

“At Emirates Integra, we aim to encourage and support our patients with improved training programs as a part of Dubai Fitness Challenge. We have created an exciting, fun series of challenges designed to increase activity levels, or in some cases, start people exercising. This will not only support their movement on a daily basis in the short-term, but also, hopefully, the long-term as well.” said Dr. William D. Murrell.

While physical activity is good, health experts believe that extreme exercise—overdoing it at the gym or working out infrequently—can lead to problems. It is important to maintain a healthy balance of exercise and rest for the body to minimize stress, maximize good health, and  preserve bone density and muscle mass, the loss of which causes the hallmark signs of aging.