As 2015 comes to a close, many people are already planning their New Years resolutions. A few patients have come to me saying, “I know that part of my pain is due to my weight, so I will start on that next year.” While it is good to have goals and aspirations to kick off the New Year, how often do our resolutions become derailed?
I posted an article about box gyms with low membership monthly costs a few weeks back and realized that these gyms pry on the New Years resolution crowd. How can we get people up and about and continue on a path of health and wellness?
Start now.
I know, I know, it sounds crazy. But why wait till 2018 rolls around to start your goals? Yes, the past few weeks have been about food and family. So, “Where is the time?” and “How am I supposed to get to the gym?” are questions I get asked often when I tell people to start now. What I want people to understand is that you do not need a gym. You can do your basic exercises at home in a 10-30 minute span.
The old saying of “you have to crawl before you walk” has truth to it. If you sign up for a gym knowing your busy schedule with work, school, kids, etc., how are you going to make it? But if you start now with 10 air squats, 10 push ups, planking for a minute, and a half-mile walk, the morning routine will become a lot easier than getting dressed with a gym bag and driving to a gym. I am not saying that gyms are the enemy. I am, however, saying that if you are someone who struggles with getting out the door, start at home.
If you are the person who needs someone to tell you what to do, look for personal trainers or small intimate gyms (think crossfit boxes or small personal training businesses.) These environments really have a family feel to them and are much less intimidating.
So I hope you get your cardio up and start leading a healthier lifestyle in 2016, because you’ll have already started in 2017! So signing off, have a happy and healthy New Year and see you in 2018!