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
