Now that the weather is warming up, it’s the perfect time to start exercising outdoors. After a long winter of staying indoors, our bodies can become weak, contributing to fatigue and soreness in our muscles and joints. While it’s important to become active again, you don’t want to jump into intense exercise or risk causing an orthopedic injury. Here is how to get moving again safely.
Set Goals
Saying that you want to get active again now that the weather is warming up is excellent. However, one person might want to walk around the block with a friend a few times per week, while another might want to run a half marathon. The first step to becoming active is to set a goal for the level of activity you want to achieve.
Take it Slow
Now that you’ve set that goal, you can establish steps to reach it. You should take it slow, with actions that help you build momentum. If you try to move too quickly after being primarily sedentary over the winter, you could cause an injury. If your goal is to be able to walk a certain distance, start with a plan to walk a short distance that is more manageable and then work up from there.
Buddy Up
One of the best ways to get and stay active is to make it more enjoyable by sharing that time with a friend. You and your friend can also help keep each other accountable as you work toward your goals. If you don’t know anyone who shares your interest, you may be able to find a group through social media or a local neighborhood forum.
Try New Things
If you struggle to start a physical activity or have lost motivation, try something new and exciting. While walking is excellent exercise, you may tire of doing the same workout every day. Why not try learning how to play a sport, go hiking or learn a new form of fitness like Pilates or CrossFit? Remember to stay within your current abilities and make a plan to increase your activity level and abilities slowly.
If joint pain or injuries prevent you from becoming active this spring, contact Dr. Jonathan Glashow for an evaluation. Our team can put together a personalized treatment plan to get you moving again.
