Tuesday, March 8, 2016

Just Move! (You Know You Want To)


Spring means Getting Out and Moving!
By Guest Blogger for March issue: Jim Dunleavy PT DPT MS, Director, Rehabilitation Services

One issue with a New Year’s resolution of getting fit is that the weather many times does not cooperate. However, come Spring it is the time to “Get Moving. "

From starting a daily walking program to getting into serious training for a marathon, this is a prime time of year to get moving.  Here are some things you should consider before you start:

1.      Assessment of your current health status. Be sure you do not have any conditions that might limit your ability to increase your daily activity. Talk to your Doctor about exercise and its impact on high blood pressure, Diabetes or other breathing or heart issue. If there are issues, here at the Health and Rehabilitation Center we have programs that can get you moving safely again.

2.      Be realistic. Once cleared medically, that does not mean you immediately go out and run as you did when you were a child. You need to build up any activity, even walking programs, in order to not hurt your joints and muscles. Our staff here at the center can help you determine what is best for you and the correct intensity.

3.      Every Exercise is not the same. There are exercises that are designed to increase muscle strength. Other types of exercise build up your cardiac and breathing stamina. As assessment by a physical therapist or a member of our fitness center team can determine what deficits you have and design a program that meets your body’s specific needs

4.      You are what you eat. No exercise program alone will meet your fitness, weight loss goals. You have to take a serious look at both the amount of food you eat and how much of each food group are you eating.

5.      Variety is the Spice of Life. Many people stop exercising because they do the same thing, every day, over and over again. They get bored. I advise my patients to mix it up a bit. There are many ways to get heart healthy from walking to a group exercise class. If you have strength goals, there are many types of resistance programs available. Also programs like Pilates or Yoga are also considerations in changing up your fitness program

The above are some the most important things to consider when starting and maintaining an exercise program. Most people do need help and the #Trinitas Health and Rehabilitation Center  is here to help you feel better, have more energy and feel fit for many years to come so…..Get Moving!
 
Pictured: Trinitas Physical Therapy & Fitness Center
 
For more information you can go to: http://www.moveforwardpt.com/Tips