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Dec 01
2017

Exercises To Start The New Year Right

Keeping your New Year’s resolution has more to do with a shift in mindset than forcing yourself to keep a strict routine. Incorporating exercises that are fun and enjoyable will make you more likely to stick to your goals.

Health.gov guidelines recommended that adults get either 150 minutes of moderate intensity physical activity per week or 75 minutes of vigorous intensity activity per week.

How do you do this and stick to it? Rather than hitting the treadmill or pounding the weights, find activities that are so much fun to do that you forget that you are working out.

Did you love to dance when you were younger? If so, look up some local dance studios and see what classes are being offered. Love the water? Take up swimming again for exercise. Hiking is a fantastic way to burn some calories, engage your muscles, get some fresh air and enjoy some beautiful scenery along the way. Even something as simple as a brisk walk can be enjoyable — just bring a friend and catch up along the way.

Exercises to start the new year right will help keep your health and fitness on track throughout the year. Here are the health benefits of each of these fun ways to exercise:

DANCING

• Improves pulmonary health
• Improves cardiovascular health
• Tones and strengthens muscles
• Strengthens bones, reducing risk of osteoporosis

SWIMMING

• Builds endurance
• Reduces stress on joints and body during workout
• Strengthens muscles
• Improves cardiovascular fitness

HIKING

• Improves cardiovascular fitness
• Strengthens core
• Improves blood pressure
• Strengthens muscles in lower body (hips, legs)

WALKING

• Boosts bone density
• Can boost your mood
• Prevents long term disease (diabetes, heart disease and more)
• Improves balance and coordination

These exercises to start the New Year right, are all exercises that almost anyone can do and are readily available in most areas. But there are many more ways to find working out enjoyable and fun. Look for physique studios, barre studios, indoor rock climbing and more.

Also, search Meetup.com for groups in your area of other like-minded individuals that enjoy what you enjoy. Working out with friends is always more fun and having a support group will keep you accountable and motivated.

Whenever you are starting a new routine, start off slow. You will be less likely to get injured. Jumping into a new routine that your body isn’t used to can lead to overuse injuries.

Also, setting a goal that requires you to workout in order to achieve it can be a fun way to keep you engaged in a new physical activity regimen. Look for upcoming 5Ks, marathons or other competitions in the area. Knowing that you will have to compete can be just the motivation you need to improve your health and get into better shape in the new year.

Remember, it is not just exercise that lends itself to a healthy lifestyle. Balance it out with a healthy diet and stress reducing practices to help you start the new year off right. For assistance with creating a routine that helps you recover from illness, injury or start your path back to health, contact us today.