How do I keep my muscles and joints healthy?

The three pillars are: 150 minutes moderate aerobic activity per week, 2 strength sessions per week, and 7-9 hours of sleep. Add Mediterranean-style diet, don't smoke, and keep BMI under 27 for lowest lifetime arthritis risk.

Last updated 2026-07-01. This is general information, not a substitute for personalised medical advice.

Sources and further reading

  • NHS: Arthritis overview
  • NICE NG226: Osteoarthritis in over 16s