One of the most common things I’ve been hearing over the past year is that people have been sitting more and moving less. As the world has seen unprecedented changes, we’ve also seen changes to our bodies. Yeah, you guessed it – all that sitting has led to some pretty stiff muscles and achingly sparse fitness routines. So, today’s post is all about how to prevent injuries. And the best way you can do this is by staying active.
Regular physical activity not only helps you achieve optimum health, right now but can also prevent injuries down the line. Think of this post as a friendly reminder to turn that TV off, get those sneakers on, and go outside in the sunshine!
So, let’s start with the very real consequences of leading a largely sedentary life. First off, extended periods of immobility cause muscles to start getting weak. Weaker muscles not only fail to bolster metabolism, causing unwanted weight gain, but they also invite injuries your way in the future. Why? Well, weak muscles don’t offer real, meaningful support, leaving your body more prone to injury in a very real way.
You may be thinking, “I just don’t have 60 minutes to exercise.” I totally hear you. The good news is that you can get a great workout in just 30 minutes. Only have 10 minutes? That’s still plenty of time to move your body.
Keep in mind that if it’s been a while since you exercised consistently, you will want to build back up to the level you were at previously, not start there. Your muscles need time to adapt and rebuild strength. Don’t push yourself beyond your current limits – because the truth is, you could injure yourself. Take it easy, give yourself a break, and do what feels good.
Isn’t getting the mail and making a few trips up the stairs enough? It is a place to start, but before long your body will be craving more (even if your brain says it would rather binge Schitt’s Creek). Fitness and mobility should never be underestimated, as you are only as young as you keep your body.
Stretching, exercising, and eating well is absolutely essential when it comes to dodging injuries and illness. The longer you remain sedentary, the more likely you are to experience injury and potential chronic, debilitating pain. Keeping your body mobile, limber, and active, means you have a much better chance of reaching an older age without physical problems.
My recommendation is to start small – take a walk, do a 15 minute home workout session, try Pilates or yoga, or how about going for a swim? Make small changes to ensure big rewards. You can push yourself harder as you progress, but make sure to train your muscles from the beginning in order to prevent injury.
It’s not always easy to know where to start, but luckily that’s where physical therapy comes in!
Physical therapy is about a lot more than improving pain – It aims to increase mobility and physical health. We’re here to show you how to move and do it correctly in order to safely perform in your daily life.
Whether you’re looking to ditch bad quarantine habits, or you’re just ready for a change, let’s chat. Don’t let your pain get you down, and don’t let extended periods of lockdown in your home prevent you from moving your body in a healthy, safe way. Let’s get moving together!
