“Unlock the Secret to Fitness: A Doctor of Physical Therapy Reveals Their Surprising Daily Hack!”
Have you ever found yourself feeling like an acrobat who forgot how to balance? It’s funny how life can turn our beloved hobbies into feats of impossibility! As a physical therapist, I often see patients grappling with this very dilemma—those who’ve lost the ability to enjoy what they once cherished, whether it’s playing a sport, gardening, or just taking a brisk walk. Life has a knack for throwing curveballs, from injuries to mental health changes, that make our bodies feel like uncooperative companions. This decline might seem sudden, but it can snowball into a frustrating cycle of inactivity and muscle weakness. The good news? There’s a simple and surprisingly achievable solution: consistency! You don’t need a fancy gym setup or a personal trainer—just some determination and a willingness to move, even if it’s just a little at a time. So, are you ready to take the first step back into the activities that make your heart sing? Let’s dive in and explore how a little consistency can pave the way for a healthier, happier you! LEARN MORE
As a physical therapist, I regularly see patients who have lost their ability to do what they love most. Whether it’s taking care of themselves or playing their favorite sport or hobby, these tasks can quickly feel impossible when our bodies are not functioning at their best.
Why the sudden decline? Life happens, and a thousand different things can pop up, such as an injury, changes in mental health, pain, or inactivity. Suddenly, our bodies can’t do the things we want them to, and it can snowball from there to a low quality of life or even disability.
Once activities are limited, our muscles can weaken quickly, and tolerance for activity drops dramatically. What can be done to prevent this from happening? If it has already happened, how can you get back on track? One simple word: consistency.
What You Do Doesn’t Matter, As Long as You Do Something
The answer to getting and staying fit, no matter what your fitness goals are (open a jar of pickles or run a marathon) is consistency. It may seem like a disappointingly simple answer for anyone looking for a quick fix, but unfortunately, there is no quick fix for keeping our bodies strong and ready for whatever life throws at us.
The good news is that consistency doesn’t have to feel overwhelming and impossible. The only thing it requires you to do is to start. Even if you start with one extra set or one minute of exercise per day, it’s much better than doing nothing at all (seriously). Plus, once you’ve convinced yourself to get moving, you just might find it’s easier to continue even longer (2, then 5, then 10 minutes and beyond).
Build the Habits, and the Rest is History
Like anything worth doing, the key is to build a habit. Once it becomes automatic, you’re set. It can take anywhere from 21 to 90 (or even more) days to ingrain a new habit, so sticking with it makes all the difference.
Build habits around activities that you love, such as walking, dancing, or chasing after grandkids, and the rest will be easy because your body will automatically expect it.
Remember, You Do Not Need Expensive Equipment
The best part about consistency is that you don’t need fancy equipment or pricey gym memberships to make it happen. In fact, some of the most effective exercises, like squats, push-ups, and lunges, can be done with just your body weight at home. Simply put: just move your body in ways that feel good. And if you’re not sure, ask your trusted therapist for recommendations.
What My Personal Routine Looks Like
Just in case you think I’m spewing nonsense and probably spend my days running miles on end or lifting at a state-of-the-art gym, I wanted to share my routine. It keeps me fit despite having three little ones and a business to run (aka not a lot of time).
I haven’t had a gym membership in 6 years because I find the best option is to exercise in the morning first thing in my living room before the day can get away from me (no commutes needed). For me, that means scrolling through my favorite YouTube workout channels and selecting a 20-ish minute workout. Depending on my mood, that can range from a sweaty HIIT workout, home strengthening with free weights, or a gentle yoga stretch session. Honestly, what I do doesn’t matter as long as I get my blood flowing in some capacity and move my body.
Once I get my short workout in, my energy levels are up, my muscles feel strong, and I feel ready to tackle my day. Plus, it’ll give me long-term health benefits. If I can do it, you can do it too (seriously). The first step is getting started and then keeping it going for the foreseeable future.
JayDee Vykoukal is a writer, author, mom, and Doctor of Physical Therapy. She has been writing about everything motherhood and health-related since 2018 when her first daughter was born, and she wanted to stay home. She loves to research new topics and fun facts with her kids to teach them about the world.
CHECK OUT ALL THE HOTTEST DEALS ON AMAZON!
Hanes EcoSmart Fleece, Cotton-Blend Pullover, Crewneck Sweatshirt for Men (1 Or 2 Pack)
$11.00 (as of October 20, 2024 18:38 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
SZIVYSHI Corset Tops for Women, Bustier Shapewear Lingerie, Lace Waist Push Up Bodysuit
$23.99 (as of October 20, 2024 18:38 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
AstroAI L7 Tire Inflator Portable Air Compressor Cordless Bike Pump with Digital Dual Values Display, 150 PSI Car Tires Pump with LED Lights Air Pump for Cars, Motorcycles, Bikes, Balls
$20.99 (as of October 19, 2024 18:33 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
3mm Tiny CZ Screw on Flat Back Stud Earrings,Gold Plated Flat Back Cubic Zirconia Earrings for Helix Cartilage Tragus Earlobe Piercing Jewelry Gift for Women Men(3mm CZ, Gold)
$10.95 (as of October 20, 2024 18:38 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
4PCS Wireless LED Strobe Lights with Remote Control, 8 Colors USB Charing Waterproof Anti-Collision Led Emergency Warning Lights for Car Motorcycle Drone Aircraft Bike
$18.99 (as of October 19, 2024 18:33 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Play-Doh Bulk Handout 42-Pack of 1-Ounce Modeling Compound Cans, Non Candy Halloween Handout Toys & Party Favors, Kids Arts & Crafts, Preschool Toys, Ages 2+ (Amazon Exclusive)
$16.99 (as of October 20, 2024 18:38 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Fruit of the Loom Eversoft Fleece Elastic Bottom Sweatpants with Pockets, Relaxed Fit, Moisture Wicking, Breathable
$8.99 (as of October 20, 2024 18:38 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Halloween Matching Seven Dwarfs Group Shirt, Princess and Dwarfs Shirt, 7 Dwarfs Costume Group Tee Cosplay Costume Seven Dwarf Shirts
$15.98 (as of October 19, 2024 18:33 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Hearth and Homestead: Handmade Whipped Tallow Balm (Unscented/Herb-Infused) - Organic Body Butter with Infused Olive Oil, for Eczema, Rosacea, Baby - 1.3 oz
$29.99 (as of October 20, 2024 18:38 GMT +00:00 - More infoProduct prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.)
Post Comment