Your musculoskeletal system makes up one of the largest percentages of your body's total mass. This system is composed of all the different muscles, bones, joints, ligaments and tendons that provide structure and movement to the body. To keep this system healthy, exercise should become a regular part of your lifestyle.
Skeletal Muscle
Skeletal muscle comprises each of the muscles and muscle groups that provide support and movement to your body. For example, the biceps, trapezius, external obliques and tibialis are all skeletal muscles that allow you to perform actions such as stretching out your legs or turning your hips. Exercises such as pushups, sit-ups and even aerobic exercises like running all benefit the skeletal muscles by strengthening the fibers of the muscle tissue, which increases both the size of the muscle and the strength and support of the body.
Joints
Exercise, especially aerobic exercise, can provide benefits to another part of your musculoskeletal system -- your joints. Aerobic and strength training exercises burn calories, which helps you lose weight or maintain a healthy weight. Carrying around excess weight on your body places additional stress on the joints, which can increase your risk for joint pain or joint diseases such as osteoarthritis, notes the John Hopkins Arthritis Center.
Bone Benefits
Exercise also has dramatic effects on your bones. Exercise, especially strength training, places stress on the bones, which causes the body to react by increasing the overall density of the bones being affected. These strengthening benefits can start at an early age, which is why the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that children take part in jumping exercise activities such as jump rope at least three days a week to help create strong bones.
Musculoskeletal Disease and Injury Prevention
Exercise also can reduce the risk for certain diseases and health problems that can negatively affect both your muscles and your bones. Strength training is cited as a way to reduce the risks of developing the bone disease osteoporosis. The strengthening of muscle and bones can also reduce the risks of age-related problems later in life such as the reduction of muscle mass and strength, or injuries and broken bones from falling.
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