Strong legs take you further, both literally and figuratively. As a young person, they provide more stability during exercise and a lower risk of injury. If you are older, on the other hand, you will benefit from better balance and less risk of falling. Moreover, strong leg muscles can prevent knee and hip injuries as well as alleviate back problems. In this blog you will find out why your legs need extra attention and how you can work on them at any age.
Why strength and stability are so important for strong legs
Whether you are walking, cycling, playing sports or just standing, your legs have a double task: they have to provide power as well as keep you balanced. Muscles like the quadriceps and glutes take care of pushing off and standing up, while smaller stabilising muscles around your hips, knees and ankles ensure controlled and safe movements. When that stability is lacking, your joints and tendons often unintentionally absorb extra load. This can lead to complaints or injuries.
Benefits at any age
Strong legs are important not only for sporting performance, but also for everyday things. As a young person, you notice that you can move more explosively and are less likely to suffer from strains or sprains. As an older person, it helps you maintain better balance, greatly reducing the risk of falling. Also, maintaining muscle mass helps you keep functioning independently as you get older.
A good foundation for your whole body
What many people don't know is that strong legs also have a positive effect on the rest of your body. For instance, strong glutes can relieve pressure on your lower back and well-functioning thigh muscles help support your knees better. As a result, you can reduce or even prevent symptoms in other parts of your body.
The role of physiotherapy in strong legs
Physiotherapy can play an important role in building strength and stability in your legs. A physiotherapist will look not only at your muscles, but also at how you move, your posture and any limitations or complaints. Based on this, you will be given a personalised exercise programme, aimed at strengthening weak areas, improving your balance and reducing pain or injury susceptibility.
Strength training doesn't have to be complicated. Under the guidance of a physiotherapist, you work purposefully on exercises such as squats, lunges, step-ups or bridges, tailored to your body and level. For older people, the focus is often on muscle maintenance and balance. Think controlled stand-up exercises or balance-strengthening movements that you can carry out safely and effectively in practice.
Do you have complaints or don't know where to start?
Then feel free to take contact with our practice. One of our physiotherapists will be happy to help you with a personalised exercise programme that suits your goals and your body. Call us via 085-5000333 or mail to info@friskfysio.nl for more information or an appointment.
