Get Moving with These Helpful Tips!
Have you become less active in recent years? It’s important to remain physically active in order to stay as healthy as possible.
According to PT in Motion News, 80 percent of Americans aren’t meeting physical activity guidelines set forth by the US Department of Health and Human Services. Finding the time or the motivation to exercise is difficult for many people.
It isn’t always easy to stay active, especially if you’re already struggling with limited mobility. However, getting active can vastly improve your health, your comfort, your mobility, and your overall quality of life.
There are several easy ways to increase your activity level that most people can include in their daily routine.
Call us today for more information about how you can increase your activity level and live a healthier life.
7 ways you can get moving more
The following are seven ways to easily add more activity to your daily life.
- Stand while you work – If you work in front of a computer for most of the day, consider getting a standing desk that enables you to stand while you work.
- Take the stairs when you can – This could potentially make a big difference in your overall activity level. If you live in an apartment building or work in a high-rise you have the opportunity to get a workout on a daily basis. Even if you only have a few flights to go, it can make a difference over time.
- Park further away than you need – Most people make trips to the grocery, shopping mall, and run other errands several times a week. Parking as far from the entrance as possible provides opportunities for extra walking.
- Bike instead of drive when you can – If you live in a rural area there should be lots of open space to take regular bike rides. Many suburban and urban areas are putting in bike trails and paths. Bike riding is a fun and easy way to get a good workout.
- Take the dog for a walk – Going on walks with your dog can keep you active and provide numerous health benefits. The Mayo Clinic suggests borrowing a dog if you don’t have one.
- Try sitting on the floor – Whether you’re watching television, folding laundry, or enjoying a good book, sitting on the floor like a kid can increase your activity level. You’ll find that you naturally stretch and move more while sitting on the floor.
- Use a push mower to do lawn work – Using a push mower is a great way to get an often unpleasant chore accomplished while getting in your daily exercise.
Inactivity may lead to these symptoms
Causes of inactivity could include everything from a busy schedule to a physical condition that’s keeping you inactive. If you don’t stay active enough you may struggle with weak muscle tone and aching joints.
According to the Arthritis Foundation, the more inactive you are, the more easily you’ll get tired. There are several other physical issues and conditions associated with inactivity.
- Hormonal imbalance
- Poor blood circulation
- Increased inflammation
- Weakened bones
Physical therapy for health and wellness
If you’re suffering with symptoms of an inactive lifestyle, physical therapy can help. A physical therapist can help you by providing manual therapies that can increase your flexibility and improve range of motion. An experienced therapist can also give you simple exercises you can do at home.
A physical therapy program can be created that addresses your individual needs. It’s important to stay as active as possible to keep your muscles, tendons, and joints flexible and moving without pain and stiffness. You’ll want to add some type of exercise to your daily routine to keep moving.
You can pursue any or all of these aforementioned activities at your leisure, or you can ask our physical therapist about integrating them into a full-scale physical therapy program. The latter approach could prove especially wise if you’re rehabilitating an injury, unsure of your exercise tolerance, or battling a particular chronic pain issue.
Our physical therapist can evaluate your health and prescribe the right activities for your needs and goals. At the same time, you may be able to enhance the benefits of your activities with other safe, helpful modalities such as massage, ultrasound therapy, dry needling, cold and heat treatments, acupuncture or laser therapy.
These therapies can promote tissue repair, ease inflammation, reduce pain, and increase your ability to keep moving and having a great time.
Want more assistance? Contact us!
Working with a trained physical therapist can also help you stay as fit and healthy as possible. Contact Cornerstone Physical Therapy today to find out how we can help.
