Looking back at another year into your journey through the pandemic, you may feel as though your fitness levels are still low or that you're often not getting as active as you would like.
But that's okay, with a new year comes a new opportunity to refresh both your health goals and the way you think about them.
Here are eight fitness expert tips:
1. Daily effort
Robert Lahita , director of the Institute of Autoimmune and Rheumatic Diseases in St. Joseph's Health in Paterson, New Jersey "Exercise is of particular importance as we age," says.
Remember: It doesn't mean running a marathon or racing a Spartan. It needs to be a daily effort for the body to function beneficially.
Relax, relax your brain, reduce stress in a positive way and enjoy the flow of hormones, endorphins and cytokines.
2. Use a good pair of shoes
“Many cutting-edge solutions revolve around being more active,” says Mehgan Susek, a pediatrician and wound care specialist in Pennsylvania.
Having the right support for exercise can help prevent injury and keep you on track for your goals."
Please check shoes your current shoes and make sure to replace your shoes or insoles when they show signs of wear or become too old.
And don't ignore foot or ankle pain. See your doctor for any soreness or injury to help avoid future complications.
3. Always motivate yourself
Rachel Tavel , a physical therapist and health specialist in New York City "It's easy to come up with excuses not to exercise on any given day, but try to push through it," says.
If you need motivation, take a moment to reflect on how you feel physically and mentally after your next workout.
Do a 'before' and 'after' assessment. Record it in writing. Then use it as your motivation next time.
4. Focus on feeling
Jaspal Singh, MD , a three board certified physician specializing in physical medicine and sports rehabilitation, says: “When we focus only on the external benefits of exercise. rather than health benefits, these goals will be eliminated.”
5. Exercise for brain health
Phillip Stieg, MD , a board-certified neurosurgeon with expertise in cerebrovascular disorders, brain tumors, and skull base surgery "Physical activity that increases your heart rate improves blood flow and the brain is well-oxygenated," says Dr.
Regular exercise can also help maintain your brain volume, which slows down contraction, a natural part of the aging process.
“Exercise has been shown to reduce levels of the stress hormone cortisol, an excess that accelerates the aging process,” he adds.
6. Use time wisely
Most people refuse to exercise because they are too busy with their work and daily life.
But that is just an excuse to justify laziness. Set goals and discipline yourself according to a certain plan.
You should exercise at any free time, but do not overdo it.
7. Slowly but surely
You don't have to rush into high-intensity workouts, but master the basic exercises instead.
Improved health will result from regular and proper participation in physical activity.
8. Brief advice
The best thing you can do to improve your health is exercise.
“The best dietary approach to improving your body composition is to regulate protein intake,” says Dr. Jose Antonio, executive director and co-founder of the International Society of Sports Nutrition. ".