
HHalloween’s almost here — and while the kids are gearing up for candy, I know plenty of us are gearing up for sore knees, stiff backs, and a few too many hours on our feet.
Over the years, I’ve learned that a little joint prep before the big night goes a long way. Here are a few of my go-to tips to help your joints survive the spooky season in one piece:
Decorating can be a full-body workout if you’re not careful. A little planning goes a long way.
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Break decorating into multiple days to give joints a rest. | Try to set up everything in one marathon session. Your knees will revolt. |
| Switch between bending, reaching, and lifting. | Stay in one posture too long. |
| Ask a friend or family member for help with heavy props. | Pretend you’re Spider-Man climbing the porch solo. |
Cool fall nights can stiffen knees and elbows, especially if you’re outdoors for long stretches handing out candy or putting up lights. Here’s how to stay warm and flexible:
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Warm up for 5 minutes before heading outside. | Walk out in the chill with stiff joints. Learned the hard way! |
| Dress in layers: gloves, scarves, and socks. | Rely on your costume alone for warmth. |
| Take short breaks if you’re outside for long periods. | Keep going until your joints complain. |
Even the simplest tasks — hanging lights, moving pumpkins — can take a toll if you’re not mindful. Here’s my approach:
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Take short walks or stretches in between tasks. | Spend hours in one position without moving. |
| Use proper tools and props to reduce strain. | Improvise with unsafe positions or heavy lifting. |
| Pace yourself, focus on one area at a time. | Rush through everything and risk joint pain. |
After the festivities, a little joint TLC goes a long way. Here’s how I recover without pain:
| Do | Don't |
|---|---|
| Take a warm soak or use a heating pad after festivities. | Hit the couch stiff and frozen, hoping it will go away. |
| Use Lifetones before bed to support joint comfort. | Ignore your post-Halloween aches. Your body won’t forget. |
| Reflect on the fun and laugh at any mishaps. | Beat yourself up over small mistakes or clumsy moments. |
Halloween should be fun and festive — not painful. Follow these Do vs Don’t tips, pace yourself, and enjoy the season with your joints in mind. Trust me, your knees, elbows, and back will thank you the next morning!
— Brandon