2018 Physical Therapy Tips: Start the Year Right
The new year is an opportunity for us all to focus on self improvement. Whether you are seeking to improve your workout regimen or your physical well-being, the 2018 new year is the perfect time. At Farmingdale Physical Therapy, we’re ready to turn over a new leaf, too. As exercise and physical therapy specialists, we encourage all of our clients to use this opportunity to take a step in a positive direction. Read on to learn how you can start 2018 the right way.
1. Keep Up With Recommended Exercises
At Farmingdale Physical Therapy, our exercise specialists pay close attention to each patient’s needs. We track patient progress to effectively create individualized patient treatment plans. That’s why we recommend that patients perform exercises at home to aid in their recovery process.
Spending an hour per week with an exercise specialist is not enough for your body to effectively heal.
So, performing these prescribed at-home exercises is essential for successful recovery. Consistency is key — and these exercises will help you achieve that.
These exercises aren’t just off-hand recommendations — they are carefully chosen for each patient’s needs.
2. Be Conscious of Injuries
Many of our patients subscribe to the “no pain, no gain” philosophy. And, while that may be true to an extent, it sends the wrong message to people who exercise regularly.
After a difficult workout, you should expect some degree of soreness for about 2-3 days. If the discomfort lasts much longer than that or is consistent, though, you’ll want to seek medical attention.
A muscle, joint, ligament, or other body part that hurts consistently is normally indicative of a more severe injury. So, before jumping back into your workout routine, seek medical advice from a professional.
3. Set Health Goals
Whether you want to eat healthier, work out with more intensity, or more frequently, setting goals is imperative. Setting goals helps people to focus on one objective at a time. When you set goals, you make yourself accountable for your own progress.
With goals in mind, it’s easier to identify obstacles that prevent the completion of these goals. Not only will you notice the factors that are inhibiting you from completing these goals, but you will also find ways to overcome them.
Finally, setting quantifiable goals allows you to determine precisely when you have completed these goals. Setting more abstract goals — like working out more often — is not as effective as a goal like working out five times per week.
Farmingdale Physical Therapy will help you to set measurable and enabling goals.
4. Eat Healthier
Eating healthier does not necessarily mean dropping all of your favorite foods immediately. To make a simple, positive change, all you need to do is eat healthier.
For example, eliminating white bread from your diet entirely will yield excellent nutritional benefits. Replace it with a healthier alternative, such as whole wheat bread or multigrain bread. Or, find a time each day where you can eat fruits and vegetables.
Opting for lean meats like chicken and turkey — rather than red meat — is another surefire way to improve your body’s functioning. All of these foods can satisfy your hunger and fuel your workout.
At Farmingdale Physical Therapy, we can make actionable suggestions about your diet to help you meet your own goals.
5. Vary Your Workout Routine
Mastering certain exercises and honing muscle strength is great, but there should always be room for variety in your life.
If you have been doing the same exercises for a long time, then your body and mind will both benefit from a change. Start to pay attention to other muscle groups within your body, without neglecting those that are currently strong.
For runners, even changing your evening jogging route could have a positive impact. This is sure to have a refreshing, rejuvenating feeling. Farmingdale Physical Therapy can recommend exercises that will complement your current routine.
6. Be Conscious of Injuries
Many of our patients subscribe to the “no pain, no gain” philosophy. And, while that may be true to an extent, it sends the wrong message to people who exercise regularly.
After a difficult workout, you should expect some degree of soreness for about 2-3 days. If the discomfort lasts much longer than that or is consistent, though, you’ll want to seek medical attention.
A muscle, joint, ligament, or other body part that hurts consistently is normally indicative of a more severe injury. So, before jumping back into your workout routine, seek medical advice from a professional.
7. Don’t Always Take the Easy Way
Lounging around and watching television is fun, but detrimental to your fitness goals. In order to maintain optimal fitness, make sure you have a generally active lifestyle.
When you’re walking around a mall or office building, take the stairs instead of the elevator. Or, park further away from the building your visiting. Instead of driving to hang out with friends, try walking for a change. All of these minor choices will allow you to burn calories and tone your lower body in small– but helpful– ways.
Remember: Nobody is Perfect
We’re all human. Chances are, at some point, we will all slip up. But that’s okay! As you continue to build a positive lifestyle, keep these priorities in mind. Farmingdale Physical Therapy is here to help you with any inspiration or practical advice you may need. Happy New Year!
