- Talk to your doctor – If you haven’t been active in a while or have a health issue, it’s important to get a physical before embarking on a new exercise routine.
- Write down your goals – Writing down your goals will help you stick with them. Make sure that your goals are SMART, that is Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Relevant and Time-bound. One of my goals for 2018 is to write one blog post on my website and share it on Facebook each month. Sharing your goals with friends and family will make you more accountable.
- Warm up and cool down – Don’t underestimate the importance of warming up and cooling down. Spending a few minutes at the beginning and end of your work out to jog and stretch can decrease your chance of injury and prevent delayed onset muscle soreness.
- Remember that things take time – Your body will adapt to gradual stress. If you are lifting weights, start with a light weight and do 2 or 3 sets of 10 repetitions. Gradually increase the repetitions or weight over the course of a few weeks. If your goal is to run a 5k, start with just half a mile and slowly increase your distance by a half mile every few weeks.
If you are dealing with pain and are afraid to begin a new exercise routine or continue to exercise consider consulting with a physical therapist. Please call Motion Works Physical Therapy at 508-660-1110 and we can show you how to exercise safely and effectively.
