The tennis shoes collecting dust, the yoga mat curled in the back of your closet, the gym membership that hasn’t seen you in months. Do you need any more proof that sticking to your exercise routine is tough? Never fear, we’ve put together a list of tips to help you grow healthier, stronger and more active in the New Year!
Conquer the Pain
Chronic pain will put a major cramp in an exercise routine, and yet over half the country suffers from some sort of debilitating pain. So what should someone do when they want to be healthier, stronger and more active? Get themselves to a physical therapist! Physical therapists are movement specialists andcan help alleviate pain better than popping a pill or sitting on the couch, and the results are often permanent.
Physical Therapy can help with all types of musculoskeletal pain, from ongoing headaches to fibromyalgia. A physical therapistcan work with you to form an exercise and movement plan that lessens your pain and increases your mobility, all in the name of getting you up moving and living life to the fullest.
Eat Well
We love to spoil ourselves with treats, just try to balance those delicious yummies with a well-rounded, healthy diet. Here are some tips to get you going:
- Remember the Food Pyramid: lots of fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and fat-free or low-fat dairy products; some lean meats or meat substitutes, beans, eggs and nuts; and minimal saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt and added sugars.
- Eating consistently (not skipping meals) provides your mind and body with the fuel necessary to help you get and stay active. It also helps you avoid your blood sugar dropping, which can lead to irritability, nervousness and a whole host of other problems.
- Snack smart, doing so keeps you at your best so that you can sustain your energy and stay positive.
Be Sneaky with Exercise
Physical therapy often prescribes small changes to a person’s routine in order to make the adjustments manageable. Some ways that even a physical therapist would approve of include:
- Park farther away from your destination and walk the extra distance;
- Walk up and down the field while your children are playing sports;
- Take the dog on walks with the whole family;
- Exit the bus one stop early and walk the rest of the way;
- Opt for the stairs instead of the escalator or elevator; and
Whether you’re 22 or 72, whether you’re suffering from chronic pain or simply need more motivation, living a life healthier, stronger and more active will improve your physical and mental health. Do you need help getting started? Come see us for a FREE Consultation to learn how we can Return You To Life!
