What to do when your legs feel like logs

I know this sounds funny but have you ever experienced getting out of bed and your legs just felt like two pieces of timber? For several of us, as we age we physically tend to slow down. We see it in our elderly parents and grandparents as their strides get shorter and steps more shuffled. Then there are those who have managed to defy physical decline that so often accompanies the ageing process.

The human body is a remarkable creation, fitted with joints, muscles and ligaments all designed for movement, but why don’t we make movement an integral part of our lives? I wish I had realised this back in my school days. The feeling of heavy legs is not to be taken lightly. It can be an indicator that something more serious is at play and if you are already experiencing heavy legs at the moment, here are some things you might want to consider.

Consider the cause

Are your legs heavy or do they feel stiff, there is a difference. Muscle stiffness can be another reason why we find it difficult to move our legs especially early in the morning, but it soon is rectified when we start moving around. I have personally experienced this but it does not mean I have heavy legs and it may not be so with you. You should check your doctor should you notice any of these changes.

1. Tired, Cramping or achiness which is occurring more than just occasionally? This could be the early signs of Peripheral Artery Disease and is a sign of fatty build-up within the arteries, however, it can be treated by a change in diet and lifestyle.

2. Varicose Veins (enlarged veins), often occurring during pregnancy or hormonal changes, ageing, obesity. Lack of movement and sitting for long stretches of time can also contribute to it’s development.

3. The narrowing of the spinal column can become an issue as we age, which can narrow the the spaces between the vertebrae and discs leading to pain and discomfort in the lower back and limbs.

4. Restless Leg Syndrome , an uncontrollable urge to move one’s legs, is another uncomfortable affliction which may have its roots, for some in genetics, while for others it could be the end stage kidney failure, iron deficiency, pregnancy, and some drug interactions.

What you can do

The power to change our lifestyles are still very much in our hands.

* Eating a diet rich in fruit, vegetables, whole grains and good quality protein which can provide our bodies with the nutrients needed to provide us with the best defence against diseases and degeneration over time.

* Developing a healthy exercise or movement regime, and finding time to get it done. Sometimes I wonder whether we over-think the idea of exercise when we can implement small actions across our day.

* Parking a little further away that our intended destination, go for a walk after a meal, skipping, running if you like it, even chair sits for those less able to get out of the house.

The more important thing is to seek medical attention if you are currently experiencing any of the symptoms mentioned above. The best way to manage any disease is early interception which may enhance treatment outcomes. I would also like to invite you to my FREE class on Saturday the 15th of January at 7.00 PM London time. You can register here to be included. Looking forward to seeing you on my ZOOM Class.

I would love to hear your thoughts or answer any questions you may have. You can email me at themoderationcoach@gmail.com or book a chat here