How Gravity Affects Your Muscular System
If you’re reading this article, it means you are a human being impacted by the force of gravity. In fact, it’s the only thing holding you down to earth! But this force plays a greater role than that – it adjusts the way our bodies function, with either its presence or its absence.
You may have heard that astronauts require strengthening and conditioning when they return to Earth’s atmosphere, as the impact of zero gravity causes changes in their bodies. Even activities as simple as walking may present challenges.
You may not ever experience the effects of outer space, but it’s still important to understand how gravity plays a role in your musculoskeletal functionality. Keep reading to learn more from our functional fitness experts at Dynamic Fitness and Rehabilitation!
Meet Your Anti-Gravity Muscles
With gravity endlessly weighing down on us, it’s a good thing that we have antigravity muscles and stabilizers throughout our musculoskeletal systems. These muscles work to support our joints and bones so they stay properly aligned against the pressure.
These antigravity muscles are commonly referred to as the “core,” but they include far more than just your abs.
Your deep antigravity muscles begin down at the feet and include muscles as high up as behind your eyes.
To maintain proper joint alignment, these muscles need to be strong and balanced throughout the body. This is why correct posture is essential for your musculoskeletal health.
How Gravity and Posture Interact
Maintaining your antigravity muscles is a crucial way to prevent musculoskeletal pain and injury. These muscles also maintain balance, helping us exert power in sports and our simple daily activities.
As soon as we start moving as a newborn, our antigravity muscles begin developing. We begin with kicking, rolling, rocking, and eventually kneeling. Then, we are crawling and sitting. Only after developing the muscles to perform these actions, can we begin walking against the force of gravity.
At first, we most likely will fall. But we get back up, always learning and strengthening our bodies until we have impressive alignment with the ability to run, jump, and tumble. However, as we age, we often find ourselves doing less of these fundamental actions. We spend long hours sitting for school or work and the time we do have to ourselves is often spent on technology or resting.
The Dangers of a Sedentary Lifestyle
Our bodies begin to deteriorate without the support of important anti-gravity muscles. This leads to changes in our alignment from our head and shoulders to our knees and toes.
The more time we spend sitting, the more our antigravity muscles atrophy.
Running, jumping, or even walking under the force of gravity can become high-risk activities with a much higher possibility of injury and poor posture.
To combat this problem, it is essential that we reactivate these core muscles.
Work with a Muscle Activation Technique Expert
When you’ve reached a state in which basic movements are causing you difficulties, there is no shame in reaching out for help. At Dynamic Fitness and Rehabilitation, our Muscle Activation Technique (M.A.T.) experts provide a safe, structured path toward wellness by helping with the following:
Providing their expertise in the musculoskeletal system
Mobilizing stiff joints
Re-educating the nervous system for proper muscular movement
Teaching you the appropriate exercises to redevelop weak muscles
Improving flexibility and stability
Relieving pain
Preventing future problems by realigning your musculoskeletal system
Learn More > The Painful Cycle of Muscular Underuse & Overuse
Resist the Force with Your Core
The impact of gravity on the musculoskeletal system is significant. It can cause problems with posture, balance, and mobility. It can also lead to pain and other health problems. The best way to avoid these problems is to stay active and keep your muscles and bones strong.
If you’ve found yourself succumbing to the strength of gravity, reach out to our team to restabilize your core muscles through safe and effective measures. Schedule your evaluation today!