“Unlock the Secret: This Physical Therapist’s Surprising Fitness Hack Will Transform Your Workout Routine!”
Added on October 19, 2024 inFun And Facts Cards
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What happens when your body starts throwing curveballs, making it hard to pursue the activities you love? As a physical therapist, trust me, I’ve seen it all—from folks struggling to juggle their morning coffee with yoga to athletes sidelined with injuries, feeling like their passion has evaporated. You know, life throws a lot of stuff at us—injuries, mental health dips, chronic pain, or just plain old inactivity. It’s like that sneaky gremlin in your routine that makes even getting out of bed feel Herculean.
Once we stop moving, our bodies can deteriorate faster than a soggy sandwich. Muscles weaken, endurance drops, and suddenly you find yourself wondering why opening that jar of pickles feels like a scene from a superhero movie! But fret not; I’m here to share a single, powerful word that can help turn this ship around: consistency. You might be thinking, “Consistency? Really? I was hoping for a magic pill!” Sorry to be the bearer of plain ol’ reality, but mental fortitude, folks, is what it takes to reclaim your fitness.
And here’s the kicker—getting started doesn’t require fancy gym memberships or elaborate workout regimens. Nope! It can be as simple as sneaking in five extra minutes of movement a day. So, whether you want to chase your kids around the yard or win the next pickle jar showdown, it all begins with that first step. Ready to dive into the secret sauce of consistency? Let’s go! LEARN MORE.
As a physical therapist, I regularly see patients who have lost their ability to do what they love most. Whether it’s taking care of themselves or playing their favorite sport or hobby, these tasks can quickly feel impossible when our bodies are not functioning at their best.
Why the sudden decline? Life happens, and a thousand different things can pop up, such as an injury, changes in mental health, pain, or inactivity. Suddenly, our bodies can’t do the things we want them to, and it can snowball from there to a low quality of life or even disability.
Once activities are limited, our muscles can weaken quickly, and tolerance for activity drops dramatically. What can be done to prevent this from happening? If it has already happened, how can you get back on track? One simple word: consistency.
The answer to getting and staying fit, no matter what your fitness goals are (open a jar of pickles or run a marathon) is consistency. It may seem like a disappointingly simple answer for anyone looking for a quick fix, but unfortunately, there is no quick fix for keeping our bodies strong and ready for whatever life throws at us.
The good news is that consistency doesn’t have to feel overwhelming and impossible. The only thing it requires you to do is to start. Even if you start with one extra set or one minute of exercise per day, it’s much better than doing nothing at all (seriously). Plus, once you’ve convinced yourself to get moving, you just might find it’s easier to continue even longer (2, then 5, then 10 minutes and beyond).
Like anything worth doing, the key is to build a habit. Once it becomes automatic, you’re set. It can take anywhere from 21 to 90 (or even more) days to ingrain a new habit, so sticking with it makes all the difference.
Build habits around activities that you love, such as walking, dancing, or chasing after grandkids, and the rest will be easy because your body will automatically expect it.
The best part about consistency is that you don’t need fancy equipment or pricey gym memberships to make it happen. In fact, some of the most effective exercises, like squats, push-ups, and lunges, can be done with just your body weight at home. Simply put: just move your body in ways that feel good. And if you’re not sure, ask your trusted therapist for recommendations.
Just in case you think I’m spewing nonsense and probably spend my days running miles on end or lifting at a state-of-the-art gym, I wanted to share my routine. It keeps me fit despite having three little ones and a business to run (aka not a lot of time).
I haven’t had a gym membership in 6 years because I find the best option is to exercise in the morning first thing in my living room before the day can get away from me (no commutes needed). For me, that means scrolling through my favorite YouTube workout channels and selecting a 20-ish minute workout. Depending on my mood, that can range from a sweaty HIIT workout, home strengthening with free weights, or a gentle yoga stretch session. Honestly, what I do doesn’t matter as long as I get my blood flowing in some capacity and move my body.
Once I get my short workout in, my energy levels are up, my muscles feel strong, and I feel ready to tackle my day. Plus, it’ll give me long-term health benefits. If I can do it, you can do it too (seriously). The first step is getting started and then keeping it going for the foreseeable future.
JayDee Vykoukal is a writer, author, mom, and Doctor of Physical Therapy. She has been writing about everything motherhood and health-related since 2018 when her first daughter was born, and she wanted to stay home. She loves to research new topics and fun facts with her kids to teach them about the world.
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