Did you know that over 15 percent of American adults lack physical activity during their leisure time? We’re all aware of the health benefits of exercise, so why does it sometimes feel so difficult to stay active?
If your yoga mat has been thrown to the back of the closet or your running shoes have begun to collect dust in your garage, you need to hear these few simple tips to help yourself become more active again.
For more information on increasing your health, strength, and physical activity, contact Rose City Physical Therapy today. Our team of movement experts can prescribe you a personalized exercise routine to help you meet your fitness goals.
1. Prioritize nutrition in your diet.
Despite common misconceptions, maintaining a healthy diet doesn’t mean you can only eat lean protein and leafy vegetables. Nutrition is all about balance. Some approachable ways to start eating healthier include:
- Avoid skipping meals. Many people associate eating healthy with “eating less,” but skipping meals can be just as detrimental to your nutrition as over-eating. Consistent eating gives your mind and body the fuel to function and exercise. It also helps you avoid your blood sugar dropping, which can lead to nervousness, irritability, and a wide variety of other problems.
- Implement “Uncle Sam’s recipe for health.” If you haven’t heard of this method, it prioritizes incorporating many fruits, vegetables, whole grains, lean meats or meat substitutes (e.g., beans, eggs, and nuts), and fat-free or low-fat dairy products. This diet also avoids saturated fats, trans fats, cholesterol, salt, and added sugars.
- Eat healthy snacks. You should listen to your body and eat when you’re hungry, which means snacking isn’t bad- as long as it’s healthy! Instead of chips, try grabbing some peanuts or almonds. Snacking keeps you at your best to sustain your energy and stay positive.
2. Stay positive.
A positive mindset can make exercise and eating right significantly more manageable. Research shows a positive attitude can boost your immune system and increase energy levels. Even if you aren’t excited about getting up from bed to go for a run, your body follows your lead. The “fake it ‘til you make it” mantra works!
3. Start by incorporating exercise into your day in small ways.
If you have a busy schedule, carving out a portion of your day to head to the gym can be challenging. Thankfully, working out with expensive equipment isn’t the only way to increase your fitness level.
A physical therapist often prescribes small changes to a person’s routine to make exercise more manageable. Some simple ways to be more active during your daily tasks include:
- Opting for the stairs instead of the escalator or elevator.
- Exiting the bus one stop early and walking the rest of the way.
- Parking farther away from your destination and walking the extra distance.
- Taking the dog on walks with the whole family.
- Walking up and down the field while your children are playing sports.
- Maintaining your yard – raking leaves, shoveling snow, mowing the lawn, etc.
4. Seek treatment for your aches and pains.
Did you know that over half of the United States population suffers from limiting pain? Chronic pain can substantially impact your quality of life, but fortunately, physical therapy (PT) can help you heal.
PT is a non-invasive, safe, and effective technique to manage and relieve pain. Sometimes, a PT treatment plan can eliminate the need for harmful pain-relieving drugs or surgical treatment. The best part of PT is that it provides long-term relief.
Ready to get active? Contact us today!
If you’re searching for the best way to get active, contact our office today to schedule a consultation with one of our licensed therapists. Our team of dedicated staff will build an exercise routine that meets your exact needs and takes into account your age, current fitness level, and current pain symptoms.
You deserve access to an exercise routine that will help you to start living a healthier life.