Did you know that more than 15 percent of American adults get no 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 about these few simple tips to help yourself become more active again.
For more information on how to increase your health, strength, and physical activity, contact Lake County Physical Therapy in MUNDELEIN today. Our team of movement experts can prescribe you a personalized exercise routine to help you meet your fitness goals with ease.
1. Prioritize nutrition in your diet.
Despite common misconceptions, maintaining a healthy diet doesn’t mean you are only allowed to 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. Eating consistently provides your mind and body with the fuel you need 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 a lot of 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 so that you can sustain your energy and stay positive.
2. Stay positive.
Having a positive mindset can make exercise and eating right feel significantly easier. Research shows that a positive attitude can boost your immune system and increase your energy levels. Even if you aren’t really excited about getting up from bed to go for a run, your body follows your lead. Essentially, the “fake it ‘til you make it” mantra really works!
3. Start by incorporating exercise into your day in small ways.
If you have a busy schedule, it can be hard to carve out a portion of your day to head to the gym. 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, in order to make exercise feel 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 some form of limiting pain? Chronic pain can have a substantial impact on 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. In some cases, a PT treatment plan can eliminate the need for hazardous pain-relieving drugs or surgical treatment. The best part of PT is that it provides long-term relief, while other methods may only work in the short-term.
From persistent headaches to fibromyalgia, physical therapy can help with all types of chronic musculoskeletal and neuropathic pain. To relieve pain, a physical therapist can manipulate your bones and joints using long-established manual therapy techniques. Your physical therapist will work with you to form an exercise and movement plan that lessens your pain and increases your mobility.
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, stronger, and more active life while improving both your physical and mental health. Don’t wait to start on your wellness journey, contact Lake County Physical Therapy today!
Sources:
- https://www.verywellhealth.com/physical-therapy-exercises-4013311
- https://academic.oup.com/ptj/article/95/10/1433/2686492
- https://www.cdc.gov/physicalactivity/data/inactivity-prevalence-maps/index.html
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