As the year comes to a close, many people are making time to assess their lives, their habits, and their relationships. One of the most common New Year’s resolutions is to start an exercise program. If this is you, congratulations. You are making a decision that has the power to change almost every aspect of your life. From improved sleep, and weight-loss, to increased energy, and alertness, exercise truly is the magic pill. (read more here) https://physicaltherapyeugene.com/exercise-i-dont-feel-like-it/
But, some people are intimidated by exercise because they don’t know how to set up a program. But, here is the main point: An exercise program should be designed to strengthen your body so that you can perform the activities you like to do with greater ease, and without injury. So, if you are a soccer player, your program is going to be different than a long distance runner. The program I’m suggesting is not for the high level athlete. It’s for the person who likes to garden, or hike, or just anyone who does work around the house and yard. If you carry groceries from the car to the house, this program is for you. If you have to walk up steps to get to your daughter’s house, this program is for you.
This is my boiled down, overly simplified program that will strengthen your body so it’s ready for anything. Have fun. And get moving!
- Make sure to move your body through a full range of motion for all your joints. (Yoga, self stretching)
- Pull things. (rows, pull-ups)
- Push things (push-ups)
- Lift things from the ground (dead lifts)
- Balance on things (balance disc, balance board, slackline)
- Get out of breath for 10-20 minutes (run, swim, walk fast)
I swear I’m not oversimplifying things here. It doesn’t even take a great deal of effort. I guarantee that if you performed the 6 things suggested here at an intensity level of about 75% 3 days per week for 8 weeks, you’d notice amazing changes in your body and the way you move around in your daily life. Many of your aches and pains will ease, and you’ll feel… (Well, I just can’t think of a better way to say this) younger!
If you need more convincing, I’ll explain my reasoning, and give some guidelines in subsequent blogs – 1 for each of the 6 parts. But please don’t wait; It’s so simple, just get started now!
Tags: improve function, Exercise, physical therapy, program, improve strength
