If your joints feel stiff or movement sometimes makes you uncomfortable, you may be tempted to avoid exercise altogether.What doesn't help is assuming that staying completely still is the best way to protect your body.

If your knees, hips, shoulders, or back feel achy during everyday activities, you’re not imagining it. What doesn’t help is assuming painful joints should always be protected by avoiding movement.

If your joints feel stiff, tender, or slower to recover than they used to, you’re not imagining it. What doesn’t help is thinking you need to either exercise harder or completely change your diet overnight.