It’s important to lead a lifestyle with physical activity if you want to stay as healthy as possible. Many people falsely believe that being active has to be hard. It doesn’t! Being more active is just a matter of finding activities you enjoy that you can take part in on a regular basis.
To find out how a physical therapy program can help you maintain maximum mobility and stay as active as possible, contact Diamond Physical Therapy today. A physical therapist can do an evaluation and suggest exercises that can improve your strength, flexibility, and overall health. In the meantime, read about the following are five activities that can lead to a more healthy and active lifestyle.
1. Ride your bicycle
If you haven’t been on a bicycle for several years, you can start out riding just a few times each week. Even 15 or 20 minutes twice a week is a good start. If you live relatively close to work and there are lanes for biking nearby, you may want to consider riding to work a few days each week
If you don’t own a bicycle, now is the time to get one. If you do have a bike, you may want to upgrade it or at least get it serviced to make sure it’s in good working order. Riding a bicycle is one of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to stay active.
The great thing about biking is that you can go as slow or as fast as you’re able. Riding a bicycle will not only keep you active, but it can potentially save you money. You can save on gas and maintenance costs by riding a bike instead of always driving a car. A physical therapist can show you the best way to ride the type of bike you own.
2. Start an herb or flower garden
Now hold on, gardening isn’t just for your grandmother! Gardening is a great activity that can help promote a more active lifestyle on several levels.
First, the act of planting, watering, and weeding a flower bed promotes physical activity. Spending just 30 minutes a day each week gardening may burn as many calories as a moderate workout would. You don’t need a huge plot of land to have a garden either – even a small patch of ground can be used to grow several types of plants or flowers.
Secondly, the produce that is harvested can be part of a healthy diet. It’s important to note that gardening can be done almost anywhere, even in the city. Container gardening can be done on a patio, a balcony, or even a window sill.
3. Stay hydrated
There are several ways that drinking more water can make you healthier and help you lead a more active lifestyle.
- Dehydration can sometimes lead to stress, anger, and negative mood changes.
- Having enough water in your system may help improve cognitive functioning.
- Drinking plenty of water can improve your workouts, which keep you healthier and more active.
- Drinking an adequate amount of water can help maintain healthy blood pressure and heart rate.
Try to replace as many of your sugary drinks with ice-cold water instead. Add a bit of lemon for flavor if you’d like.
4. Get out and see people!
As much as you may enjoy being a couch potato, a busy social life means a more active lifestyle. There are lots of ways to increase your social circle.
The following are a few practical ways to get more involved socially.
- Take a Dance Class – Almost everyone naturally loves to dance, and there are lots of different types of dancing to try out. Worried that a chronic pain problem will keep you from enjoying your class? Visiting a physical therapist may help get you physically prepared for dancing.
- Take More Walks – Even walking through the neighborhood with friends can improve your health and your social life. If you’re feeling tired and achy after moderate walking, a physical therapist can provide exercises to help strengthen muscles and increase flexibility.
- Play a Sport – Everything from bowling and golf to ping pong or tennis are popular sports that are fun ways to stay in shape. They also involve socializing with other people.
- Become a Volunteer – Getting out in your community and volunteering for a cause you believe in is a fantastic way to stay active. This could be something as simple as volunteering at a local pet shelter a few days a week. Running around after furry friends is sure to keep you active and on your toes!
5. Check into a physical therapist’s office
Physical therapy is always an option, too. A physical therapist will likely start by doing an evaluation and creating a personalized program to meet your individual needs. Whether you just want to increase strength, stamina, and flexibility or improve competitive athletic performance, physical therapy can help you reach these goals.
Physical activity with therapy can provide the following benefits:
- An individualized physical therapy plan can reduce arthritis pain and increase flexibility and improve mobility. Those who are suffering from arthritis may experience relief after visiting a physical therapist.
- If you’ve been injured in an auto accident and have been experiencing chronic pain, physical therapy may be able to help you find relief.
- Instead of risky surgeries or relying on potentially addictive drugs, physical therapy may be able to help you regain your strength quickly and safely.
- If you’ve recently had surgery, physical therapy can help you recover more quickly. Pre-surgery physical therapy is often recommended so you’re in the best shape possible before having surgery.
Even if you’re not experiencing any of the previous conditions, a physical therapist can show you ways to sit, stand, and move more effectively. This will improve posture and your ability to enjoy daily activities.
Contact our clinic today
Getting involved in an activity you enjoy is crucial to staying in shape and maintaining long term health. A physical therapist can put together personalized exercises that can help prevent injuries and increase your enjoyment in the activities you engage in.
Your physical therapy program might include massage therapy, electrical stimulation, or ultrasound. Contact Diamond Physical Therapy to find out how physical therapy can help you stay as active and healthy as possible.
