24 Apr Spring Cleaning: Toss Out Bad Habits for Better Health
Spring-cleaning doesn’t have to be just about de-cluttering and organizing your home. It’s also the perfect time to analyze your life and evaluate your daily habits. Check out these health-stalling habits you should toss out (and what to do instead):
Failure to Commit
Jumping from workout to workout means you never have enough time to see results. Before you jump into a new activity, do some research. Decide on a class or active hobby and make a commitment to be consistent with it for at least eight weeks to give it time to take effect on your body.
Failing to Plan Out Your Workouts
Spontaneous workouts can be fun and feel less like a chore, but not planning your weekly workout routine could stall your progress. You may plan to work out three times a week but if you don’t schedule when, where, and what it’ll be easier to skip. Tip: try joining an exercise class. It’ll have consistent times each week that you’ll have to work into your schedule.
Wrong Footwear
Shopping for the best-looking workout shoes may be fun; but did you know that selecting the wrong type of shoe could increase your risk of injury? Before making your purchase do a little research and find out what shoe is best for your active lifestyle. Your orthopedic physical therapist will be able to evaluate your footwear and suggest shoe stores that will work with you to ensure a proper fit for both you and your fitness activity.
Too Many Distractions
It’s one thing to zone out during a great song, but staying totally distracted during your workout can run the risk of not getting the most out of your exercise. If you’re distracted, you won’t be getting all the benefits of a workout and you could run the risk of an injury. Limit your distractions, set your phone aside or silence it, and focus on your workout.
Not Pushing Hard Enough (Or Pushing too Hard)
Just like in Goldie Locks and the Three Bears, it’s important to find an exercise level that is just right for you. Keeping your intensity too low could mean you’re not seeing any results and too much intensity to lead to overtraining or injury. Starting off with a class or group can help keep you on pace and prevent injury.
Blowing Off Warm Ups & Cool Downs
Participating in a warm up prior to working out and a cool down/stretching routine after a workout can lead to improved flexibility, posture, and also help reduce stress levels. If you’re guilty of skipping out on a cool down post-workout you’re missing out. As our providers have noted, it’s easier to stretch when your muscles are warm vs. when they’re tight and cold. Stretching when you’re warmed up from initial activity has even more benefits, as does cool down after your activity. Hold each stretch for at least 30 seconds.
Not Staying Hydrated
Many people live and exercise in a state of low-level dehydration. Your body can’t perform at its best when you’re low on water! When you wake up, instead of heading straight for the coffee pot, drink a glass of water first. It helps wake up your body and gets your metabolism jumpstarted. Staying hydrated is key to living a healthy life.
Being Totally Inactive on Your Rest Day
Taking a day off from exercise is crucial for your body. It’s important to give it time to rest and heal after workouts. But sitting at your desk or in front of the TV all day could do more harm than good. Instead, try light yoga, a walk, or bike ride around your neighborhood. It’ll burn a few extra calories and pump your body with fresh oxygen, which will help reduce any normal muscle soreness you developed after your workout.
If you’re ready to make better health a habit, Body One is ready to partner with you on your journey. We’re locally owned and operated, with three locations serving Central Indianapolis: North Meridian/Carmel, Fishers, and Zionsville. Our team of expert, knowledgeable Physical Therapists works with patients of all ages and activity levels and we’re ready to help you reach your goals. Call or click today!
