Summit PT - January 2024

Why Does Our Body Suddenly Jerk Awake? And Other Fun Facts About Our Body

Your body can do weird things you may have never been able to explain. Well, we’re here to fix that! Here are four fun facts about the human body you may have always wondered about. Lactose Intolerance Lactose intolerance is the inability to fully digest lactose, a sugar in milk and dairy products, as a result of the

90 minutes to several hours, before switching to the other. This cycle is believed to be regulated by the autonomic nervous system and is a natural process most people aren’t consciously aware of. This is also why when you get sick, one nostril can get congested while the other works fine. Body Jerks When Exhausted Have you ever tried to fall asleep only for your body to quickly jerk for no apparent reason? That’s called a hypnic jerk but is also known by other names, like sleep start. The twitch typically happens during the early stages of sleep and is considered a benign myoclonic jerk, a form of involuntary muscle twitch. While the exact reason is not entirely understood, it is theorized that the jerk is a neural mechanism that helps the body transition from wakefulness to sleep. It may occur more often when you are exhausted or anxious. Your Ears Keep Growing While most parts of the human body reach a specific size and stop growing, ear cartilage grows slowly as people age. This phenomenon is due to specialized cartilage cells called chondrocytes that continuously produce new cartilage material. This ongoing growth is not usually noticeable daily, but it can become quite apparent when comparing photographs from different stages of a person’s life.

LCT gene in the body mutating during infancy. The prevalence of lactose intolerance differs by ethnicity and is more common among people of Asian, African, and Native American descent, but the condition affects 65% of the global population. Lactose

intolerance generally manifests in adolescents and young adults and varies in prevalence depending on the region in which a person lives.

One-Nostril Breathing Most people do not breathe equally from both nostrils, a phenomenon known as the

“nasal cycle.” One nostril is usually dominant for a period, ranging from

BREAK A SWEAT WITH LOW-IMPACT WORKOUTS!

Protect Joints, Enhance Strength, and Aid Recovery

Swimming Perhaps the most popular low- impact exercise is swimming. Injured athletes and older gym-goers have long cherished it because the water allows the body to move without pressure on joints and ligaments. The low-impact workout includes cardio, strength, and flexibility! Similar to rowing, swimming allows plenty of customization for intensity. Pilates If you’re searching for an activity that’s less cardio-focused and more strengthening, then head to your nearest Pilates class! Pilates is a low-impact form of exercise involving a variety of movements that target your core muscles and improve your body’s alignment. Many people comment on their improved balance and posture after regularly practicing Pilates, which can make you feel and look taller!

Low impact doesn’t necessarily mean low intensity. While these workouts are gentle on joints and ligaments, they can still make you break a sweat! Low- impact workouts involve movements that don’t require jumping, running, or any other activity that can be harsh on your skeletal system. That’s why they are perfect for people starting to exercise, recovering from an injury, or looking to give their joints just a bit more TLC. Here are some examples of accessible low-impact workouts to try. Rowing You’ve probably seen rowing machines at the gym and were too intimidated to hop on. Yet, rowing machines offer a total body workout without the stress on your joints! No weights are required, and rowing is a strength and cardio workout that can vary in intensity depending on the equipment settings. Simply strap your feet in, grab the handlebar, and start rowing!

Cycling Former runners are known to be cycling fans because it offers the same rush and cardio as running but without the joint pain. Whether on a stationary bike at home, in a spin class at the gym, or cycling through the neighborhood, you’re bound to get your heart pumping. Be sure your bike is adjusted correctly for your size and that you follow the correct form to avoid strain or injury. The key to each of these workouts is to practice with proper form and technique. Partner with a professional or a personal trainer to ensure you gain the maximum benefit from your low-impact workout.

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