Use these pointers to start moving and grooving!
Millions of Americans are risking serious health consequences simply because they’re sitting around too much and not getting enough exercise. Did you know that 80 percent of the U.S. population falls short of the Physical Activity Guidelines recommended by the Department of Health and Human Services? It’s true.
You may not find that information particularly surprising, especially if you include yourself in that 80 percent! What really might shock you, however, is just how easily you can give your daily activity level a dramatic boost!
Here are seven simple ways from our in-home physical therapists for adding some much-needed additional exercise to your life.
1. Walk Fido!
Dogs love to walk, run, play catch, and explore. The sheer energy and endurance dogs have is unparalleled, and it offers a great way for you to get a workout in! Make sure you’re exercising Fido, playing fetch, and going on walks in the park, because that way you’ll get extra exercise.
2. Watch TV – but move around while you’re doing it.
There’s nothing wrong with spending some quality time watching your favorite TV shows or movies. However, you don’t necessarily have to spend all those hours sprawled on your couch, stuffing yourself with snacks, or dozing in and out of sleep all day!
Consider getting a stationary bike or treadmill that you can use while you’re catching up on your television shows or movies. You’ll have just as much fun, but you’ll be working out instead of slacking off!
3. Get a standing desk for work.
Standing desks have become all the rage in workplaces, and for a good reason. Standing at your desk instead of sitting down all day can help prevent unwanted weight gain, regulate blood sugar levels after meals, ease back pain, elevate your mood and energy level, reduce your heart disease risk, and add years to your life expectancy. You may even find that you get more work done! Give it a try. A little ergonomically designed workspace never hurt anyone.
4. Start doing yoga regularly.
Physical activity doesn’t always have to include running or jumping around. Yoga offers profound benefits to the body and mind by releasing stress, stretching muscles, and increasing your range of motion. It also can help you master your breathing. A yoga class offers structured learning as well as a positive social environment — you might just make a new friend while you’re there!
5. Try a new sport on for size.
Have you thought of taking up tennis, golf, surfing, swimming, running, or a team sport such as soccer or softball? These sports all offer different physical benefits, and they all get you up and moving. Getting that extra activity doesn’t have to be a grueling activity. It could just as easily take the form of a new way of having fun,
6. Go on a bicycle ride.
If that trip to the corner store takes too much time on foot, maybe it’s time you “remembered” how to ride a bicycle! Cycling uses different muscles than walking, which makes it an excellent choice when you need to go a little farther and a little faster. It also provides you with a significant cardio workout. If you don’t own a bike, see if there are any local shops in your area that will allow you to rent one for a small fee.
7. Walk to your destination.
Have you ever considered spending an extra few minutes each day walking instead of driving? Many people automatically get into their cars, even for a brief trip to their mailbox or the nearest corner store.
Walking might not sound like much of a workout, but it actually increases circulation, exercises your legs and feet, sheds excess pounds, keeps your joints limber, and helps to release stress. This is also true when you’re in a parking lot, so the next time you think about getting a parking spot close to the entrance, think again! Park away from the door, and get those extra steps in!
Athletic training offers more physical activity
So, you’re in pain, looking for relief and recovery, and trying to find the motivation to push yourself to get there. People often turn to our in-home physical therapy services after sustaining an injury.
Physical therapists are trained specialists who know how to help you bounce back from your injury, with just as much strength (if not more!) than you had before you got hurt. They are dedicated to always helping you reach your goals, whatever that may be.
You can discover the benefits of athletic training with our in-home physical therapists. These include, but are not limited to:
- Refocusing your strengths. Many parts of the body influence each other, and strengthening one can help with the function of another. A physical therapist can help you focus on improving your strength in areas that you may not have considered. Rather than jumping directly into a new form of activity, it makes sense to train your body to react to the new form of stimulation by improving your muscular strength and range of motion.
- Recovering from injuries. Physical therapy treatments are designed specifically for the needs of each individual and the condition of their injury. Physical therapy is one of the best ways to overcome an injury and find relief for your pain. Each treatment consists of exercises and strength-building activities that are unique to their recovery.
- Developing healthy habits. A physical therapist is a great resource to have when focusing on increasing strength and muscular functionality, as they can help you improve in all aspects of health and wellness. While a physical therapist can help you reach physical goals, they can also help you work on general wellness goals, as well. For example, regular exercise, a healthy diet, and a strong focus on hydration are fundamental in improving your physical fitness level.
Contact our physical therapy clinic today!
Did you read through the seven tips above and think “These are activities I would love to try – if only my body would let me”? If so, no worries. Physical therapy could get you back in better health, all from the comfort of your own home. Contact our clinic today to schedule a one-on-one consultation with one of our in-home physical therapists! We’ll make sure to have you in tip-top shape so that you can take advantage of all these tips and more, in order to stay active and healthy.
