May is National Physical Fitness and Sports Month. It highlights the often-challenging aspect of incorporating physical activity into a healthy lifestyle. Many people focus on diet for weight loss, which can seem more straightforward, but physical fitness often feels like a bigger hurdle.
Reasons Not To Try
Joe Weber, Physical Therapist at CCMH Rehab Services, says there are multiple reasons people shy away from physical activity.
“I think one of the reasons folks are less inclined to be active is they think they have to make big changes to their lifestyle. Our society doesn’t help with this. People see things on social media or television, and they think, ‘I can’t do that.'”
Small Changes, Big Impact
Weber counters this thinking by emphasizing the power of small changes.
“It really is just small changes to make yourself more active. It’s about finding ways throughout your day to increase your activity. Something as easy as parking farther away to increase walking. Taking the stairs instead of an elevator. Or just walking over your lunch break. I think walking is a very underrated form of exercise. It’s good for the brain, it’s good for the heart, the lungs, it’s good for the muscles.”
Keep It Simple
The key to being physically fit typically does not lie in elaborate fitness programs, according to Weber.
“Each of us has an activity we find easy to do and we can replicate it fairly often. Walking is just one example. I can’t emphasize enough that you have to find physical activity you enjoy because you have to be persistent, and you have to adhere to it.”
Sustainability
If you want your physical activity to be make a difference in how you look or feel, Weber says it must be sustainable.
“If you don’t like lifting weights, don’t do it. You’re not going to do it, you’re not going to want to do it, and you’re not going to stay persistent with it. So find a different activity, whether you like playing pickleball or tennis or whatever activity you enjoy. Pick that as your activity and just stay with it to become more physically active and fit.”
Limiting Factors
If you’re someone who experiences pain when exercising or engaging in physical activity, Weber advises discussing those issues with your primary care provider to explore possible causes and potential referrals to physical therapy.
“In Rehab Services, we like to consider ourselves movement experts so we can find those faulty movement patterns. Sometimes it’s a strength issue, a balance issue, or a posture issue. We can work with patients on those issues. Our goal is for you to be able to get back to doing the activities that you enjoy.”
Start With Small Steps
Weber suggests sedentary lifestyles are a barrier to fitness for most adults.
“Many of our jobs are sitting in an office and doing computer work. As humans, we’re not meant to sit for eight hours a day. To avoid poor posture, or the fatigue from looking at a screen, try changing your position every 30 minutes if you can. If possible, get up from your chair and walk to the printer or get a cup of coffee. Any small changes to your posture will help maintain good alignment and limit pain and fatigue.”
Final Thoughts
If you are experiencing joint or muscle pain and believe you could benefit from our Rehab Services Department, please remember that a referral is often needed. Contact your primary care provider, or if you don’t have one, reach out to the CCMAH Medical Clinic at 712-265-2700 to arrange a consultation. We’re here to help you get back to doing the things you love to do.
