It is that time of year again! Family in for the holidays, a feast or two is sure to follow, and what would these days be without a cup of cheer. The last thing in many people’s minds is exercise and fitness routines. It is a perfect time to relax, take a break, and let the mind and body have that moment of recovery.
But when it all ends, when the new year begins, it is straight back to the grind and so resumes, or starts, your fitness journey for 2023. A question that is often asked is how you get back in shape after taking a break during the holidays. Here are some tips for getting back in shape after the new year.
Starting Your Workout Journey in the New Year After A Long Break
1. Start slowly. If you haven’t exercised regularly over the holidays, begin at 50% of the intensity of your last workout, then gradually increase your time or intensity with each workout.If you are beginning a new fitness routine and are a mature adult >40 years old, an annual physical by your primary care physician is highly recommended. In addition, annual check-ups by your physical therapist are becoming common.
Your PT can assess specific problems with range of motion, strength and balance and then give you recommendations to address those problems and prevent injuries.
Next, begin your exercise of choice at a low intensity, for only 10-15 minutes the first time. Seriously. You won’t feel the effects of muscle soreness for 48 hours. Then, if you are only mildly sore and stiff, repeat that same intensity and add 5 minutes more. Gradually increase your time.
When you have reached your desired exercise time per session, increase the intensity. This could mean increasing amount of weight, speed or incline. Just don’t do all at once. If you do, you may find yourself back to square one with an injury and forced rest.
2. Get an accountability buddy. This means finding someone to check in with each week and report your efforts. It can also mean having someone exercise with you regularly at the gym, one a walk or even virtually. I have been “meeting” my sister via phone weekly on Saturday mornings while we exercise. Before the end of our call, we commit to certain small goals for the next week. Sometimes we have to miss a Saturday but have been consistent for over 3 years now.
3. Include strength, cardio, flexibility and balance activities into your fitness program. Your body needs all four activities regularly for good physical health. Strength activities for your core muscles and limbs improve bone and muscle health. Cardio exercises such as walking or cycling improve your heart and lungs and your ability to burn fat. Increasing your flexibility through stretching programs such as yoga improves your ability to move during any activities and prevent injuries. Balance activities improve your coordination and prevent falls.
4. Ask for help. There isn’t one specific program that helps everyone. Each body is unique in build and experience! Each of us has had different sprains, strains, broken bones or surgeries. We have different interests and motivations. A physical therapist can help you design the best program for YOU and your specific needs. The ability to do the activities that you want, enjoy your relationships stay as independent as ever is what most people are looking for!
Get Long Term, Natural Lower Back Pain Relief To Keep Going After Resuming Your Workout RoutineIf your back pain is preventing you from restarting your workout routine after the holidays, or if it’s affecting your every day life and you’re not enjoying the activities you used to, our team is here to help!
You can get quick, natural pain relief so you don’t need to take pills or rely on them.
You can also discover the root cause of your pain, which will mean that you can stop it once and for all, and avoid it coming back in future.
Right now, we have an limited time offer where you can get a Back Pain Assessment for only $27! So contact our friendly team on 208-237-2080 and we can arrange a convenient time for you to visit.
In this assessment, you will get a full diagnosis, so you finally understand why your back pain won’t go away, and exactly how to treat it for fast and long term results.
But hurry, the offer for these comprehensive Back Pain Assessment.
Demand at our clinic is at an all time high, as more people choose physical therapy to relieve lower back problems, so there is a limited number of Back Pain Assessments (for only $27) available.
If you aren’t sure whether Physical Therapy is right for you, and you’re looking for a drug-free solution to your back, knee, or neck and shoulder pain, arrange a Free Discovery Visit or Free Telephone Consultation to find out the best treatment options available to you!
Other Natural Pain Relief Solutions
Download our Free Back Pain Report, Free Knee Pain Report, or Free Neck And Shoulder Pain Report
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