4 Ways to Get Moving This Spring
Spring forward and fall back into the habit of moving. Whether you're recovering from an injury or haven't worked out in a while, there's no better time than now to brush off the winter cobwebs and start moving.
With longer days ahead of us, it's a good reason to head outside to take advantage of the sunlight. Not only do the brighter days and warmer temperatures motivate people to get moving, but the increased activity can also help release endorphins which help improve both mental and physical health, according to a study from the Journal of Health Psychology.
So, if you're just getting back to activity or looking to start a new workout plan, here are four ways to get moving this spring.
Pick an Activity You Enjoy
First and foremost, find something you enjoy doing. While exercise is essential for your health, you don't want to be bored or miserable. So find something that will challenge you while you have fun, whether you like football, running, walking or hiking. If you like hiking, consider joining a hiking group that meets a couple of times a week, so you're scheduled to move.
Set It On Your Calendar
Put your workout schedule or activity of choice on your calendar, so it becomes as much a part of your day like going to work. And if other things come up, you can pull out your schedule to see what conflicts you may have (your workout), so you can either turn that meeting down or move things around. Besides, when you write something down, you're more likely to stick to it.
Address Any Injuries
If you've been injured, it's important to speak with your doctor first to make sure your injury has healed. He or she may suggest certain activities to help you get back to moving during the spring. Monitor the injury and listen to your body when exercising.
Make Sure to Recover
If it's been a while, after your workout, you may experience some soreness. One way to help alleviate stiffness or pain is to foam roll. Foam rolling is a form of self-myofascial release—think of self-massage—that aids to rid knots in your muscles while helping increase blood flow to your muscles which can increase mobility and assist with recovery.
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Soothe Aches and Pains
Help soothe aches and pains with the assistance from ice and heat. Ice is one of the first steps in post-workout recovery and can help ease any swelling and inflammation. After icing, using heat can also help soothe sore or aching muscles.
Find Your Balance
If you want to strengthen your muscles but might not have time to work out every day, or want to find a tool to help build strength while helping to speed up recovery, consider a muscle stimulator like the Compex® device. They are easy to take with you when traveling, or you can do a quick warm-up at your desk before hitting the gym during a lunch break.
Have a Gym Bag With You
Keep a bag with your workout essentials with you at work or in your car so you can go for a walk or squeeze in some exercise when you find you have a little downtime.
Start with small goals and know it might take some time to create a new workout habit. But, stick with it.
Shop for the support you need when moving this spring.
The contents of this blog were independently prepared, and are for informational purposes only. The opinions expressed herein are those of the author and are not necessarily indicative of the views of any other party. Individual results may vary depending on a variety of patient-specific attributes and related factors.