Improve Your Health and Wellness and Have Fun Doing It Through PT
Maintaining a high level of physical activity can help you live longer while also improving the quality of your life
According to PT in Motion News, 80 percent of Americans don’t meet the physical activity guidelines established by the US Department of Health and Human Services on a regular basis. As you can see, it is difficult for many people to find the time or motivation to exercise.
This is especially true if you are living with a chronic pain condition. If you currently spend your days struggling to even get out of bed, the idea of pursuing any kind of strenuous activity may be the furthest thing from your mind. But the truth is getting active can vastly improve your health, mobility, comfort level, and overall quality of life.
The first step to overcoming these feelings of doubt and hesitation is to find an activity you enjoy. The following activities are fun and easily doable for people of almost any age or fitness level, and hopefully, give you some ideas on how to get started.
1. Try physical therapy!
A physical therapist can test your fitness level and thoroughly assess your current physical condition.
Physical therapy is a great tool that anyone can use. Whether you’re currently moving with assistance or a serious athlete, our physical therapists can help you increase your fitness level, reduce your chance of injury, and eliminate pain from sore muscles.
A physical therapist can also show you how to properly warm-up and cool down before and after your exercises, so you can optimize the effects of your workout and prevent any strains or excessive soreness.
2. Experience the outdoors through gardening
There are ways you can start a garden whether you live in a house in the country or in an apartment in the city. Container gardening is an easy method of growing flowers and vegetables almost anywhere.
You can grow several plants, from beautiful flowers to a new vegetable garden, out of just a few medium-sized containers on your patio. This activity is rewarding and can provide you with a moderate level of activity while getting you outside.
3. Try rowing at the gym
Although the treadmill and the stationary bike are typically the most in-use machines at the gym, the rowing machine is an excellent way to exercise, regardless of your current physical condition.
A rowing machine is easy to learn how to use and low impact while offering high calorie-burning potential. This machine is also used from a sitting position, making it accessible to almost anyone.
4. Take a swim
Swimming is a low-impact exercise that is gentle on your joints while providing a great cardio workout. Signing up for a class at your local YMCA or fitness club is the easiest way to get started.
Swimming is also a versatile exercise with several different swimming strokes to learn. Many beginners opt for the backstroke since it is considered one of the easiest strokes to perform. Whether you’re swimming laps, floating, or tossing an inflated ball with a friend, swimming is a fun and healthy activity.
If you have access to a private pool, be sure to swim with a partner. This will help ensure your safety and likely make your sessions more dedicated and fun.
5. Sign up for dance lessons
When it comes to dancing, there is no shortage of styles to choose from. With varieties like ballroom, ballet, hip-hop, and more offered at most dance studios, there is truly a variety and skill level for everyone.
To get started, you could take lessons or join a dance group that meets on a regular basis. If you’d rather not pick up another time commitment or spend the money on lessons, dancing to your favorite music on your own is an awesome way to get moving and burn calories.
Depending on your weight and how strenuously you can move, you’ll be able to burn approximately 200 to 300 calories during every 30 minutes of dancing.
Make an appointment with a physical therapist today!
You could pursue any or all of these activities on your own, or you could reach out to our physical therapist to ask about integrating them into a full-scale physical therapy program.
If you’re recovering from an injury, unclear of your exercise tolerance, or dealing with a chronic pain issue, the latter approach could be extremely beneficial.
Our physical therapist can assess your health and recommend exercises that are appropriate for your fitness needs and goals.
We can also offer various safe, beneficial therapies including massage, ultrasound therapy, dry needling, cold and heat treatments, acupuncture, or laser therapy to improve the benefits of your new physical activities.
These therapies can help with tissue restoration, inflammation/pain relief, and make it easier for you to get active and do the things you love.
When you participate in a physical therapy program, we help you increase your fitness level and make the most of your favorite activities. If you are looking to get moving, contact us today!
Dr. James Pumarada is a licensed Physical Therapist and co-owner of Complete Physical Rehabilitation. With over 20+ years of treatment experience, he is a Sports Therapy Certified physical therapist, focusing on treating and training runners of all levels, and is one of the most sought after vestibular therapy specialists in Elizabeth and Jersey City where, along with his wife, Dr. Asha, they specialize in the treatment of all dizziness, vertigo, and imbalance issues.