Why Exercise?
There are so many benefits to exercise: it improves your mood and helps you to be less depressed and less stressed, it helps you to think better, it reduces your risk of certain diseases, and it helps you to control your weight. And that’s just a partial list! But it can also be easy to find an excuse to stop exercising. These tips might help:
- Find something you enjoy. There are so many options out there that there is really no excuse not to be doing an exercise you enjoy. Try a dance class to make exercise fun, or join a mall-walking group if you can’t get enough of shopping.
- See your doctor. If you have any concerns that you might not be healthy enough for a new exercise program, you should meet with your doctor first.
- Start slow. If it’s been years since you last exercised (or if you’ve never exercised at all), don’t rush into your new program. Begin with low-intensity exercise and work your way up. Walking for 5 minutes a day 5 days a week can be a good plan to start with.
- Don’t push yourself too hard. You don’t have to run 10 miles a day to get the benefits of exercise. It is more important to exercise consistently than to work out intensely.
Beginning a new exercise routine can be intimidating – but don’t give up! There are so many benefits to exercise, and if you don’t meet your exercise goals one day, you can always start over tomorrow. However, if you have injured yourself during your new regimen, or if something just doesn’t feel right as you exercise, don’t push yourself. Contact Cynergy Physical and Occupational Therapy for help. There are five locations in New York – call (212) 974-7252 for an appointment today!