So, which is it? Do we continue to work our joints to keep them active or do we not work them, so that they last a little longer as we get older?
Ahhhh, the $64,000 question. I still work them but some lifts I just have to use less weight than I am able and some lifts I avoid altogether. Usually I can find a workaround. Dumbbell flys just aggravate my elbows too much to do as do cable crossovers. But there is a fly machine that doesn't hurt the elbows at all. Further, I've found that dips and hand clap push ups work those areas of the chest that I used to use crossovers to hit. I've also discovered that using a neutral grip on a lot of lifts doesn't stress the elbows as much as a regular grip. Walking lunges stress my knees too much to do anymore but stationary lunges on a smith machine don't really bother them at all. For me it's a matter of experimenting and learning what does and doesn't aggravate my joints. That and ice and Ben-gay. (actually instead of Ben Gay I use an ointment call "Maxi-Freeze" - it's really great and I highly recommend it for inflamed joints and muscles. You can find it at most pharmacies.) Finally, I've found that spending 10 minutes warming up before a workout will greatly reduce post-workout soreness in the joints and muscles. I've developed a routine of light stretching and calisthenics. It's essential.