
The Best Way to Avoid Injuries
Is to keep moving! If you aren’t attempting to keep moving, you could be risking your long-term overall health. Do not suggest you begin training to run marathons (unless this is what you desire). Still, to remain healthy, we need to monitor what we put into our bodies and how we stay as physically fit as we can.
Stretching is Important
Even if you are in a position to move around for some of the day, our bodies require stretching. Long periods of sitting or standing will affect our circulation; this can cause a deterioration of muscle mass, ultimately affecting our immune system.
Online yoga is a good option, but be careful when choosing an online class that is appropriate for you. Without instructors that can watch your form and make suggestions to eliminate the possibility of injury, this is not necessarily recommend for those with compromised mobility. However, if you don’t fall into this category, starting with an online or in-person beginner program can be a great start to something you may love.
If yoga has not been on your list of things to try, then continuing with light stretches throughout the day is highly recommended. Keep in mind that your form is equally as crucial as the stretch itself, so take your time and make sure you are breathing through it and that it feels right. Stretches should feel like more of a relief than painful. Stretching too much can cause very sore muscles and may cause you to want to give up. Take your time, always.
Online Workouts
If being online has become your go-to, there is a workout for every body type, goal, and for every kind of injury. The past few years have forced what we typically left the house to do to become online. You can work out with your favourite celebrity, neighbour, friends, and even a personal trainer.
Do You Have Weights at Home?
Whether you do or you don’t. This should not be a barrier to an exercise program. Using household items as weight substitutes is a perfect alternative to traditional hand weights.
What are good alternatives?
- Large bottles of liquid detergent are great because they have handles, and you could easily use two at a time, provided they have the same amount of liquid in them.
- A bag of potatoes is a standard 10lbs. This is easy to assess, and the bags are easily manipulated, so there is less likelihood of dropping them and causing injury.
- A backpack with cans inside is an excellent use of weight when doing squats or lunges, and the weight will remain evenly distributed.
- Cans of paint are great for bicep curls.
In addition, also recommend an inexpensive set of good-quality loop resistance bands. They will often come with an insert with exercises that can be done while watching your form typically used to prevent injuries. In addition, several great videos on YouTube will show you how to use them efficiently. The great thing about these bands is that you can work almost every muscle safely and effectively.
Get Back Out There
Otherwise, get back into the gym or your local pool to resume or begin an exercise routine.
Ultimately, there is little reason to remain sedentary. As always, beginning something new can be intimidating or challenging for some, but if you combine it with the ability to start in the privacy of your own home, it can be appealing.
Whether it’s the occasional stretch, a daily walk, or continuing to work out with your gym community – anything is an excellent alternative to sitting and wishing you were more active.
When you feel better physically, you will always feel better mentally. So keep it moving! And contact us to ensure you are maintaining optimal health.
Let The Sunshine In
We all know we feel better when the sun is shining, but do we understand how the sun can improve our moods and ultimately, our health? The sun is our greatest source of vitamin D which is essential to our bone health and our immune systems. It also can help us produce serotonin, helping our minds remain happy and healthy.
Now that we’ve been indoors most of the winter, and more recently for an extended period of time; let me share some ways that getting outside (even if this is your backyard or balcony) can improve the way you are feeling.
Bone Health
One of the most common causes of bone pain is vitamin D deficiency. This can feel like a radiating pain from the center of your arms or legs. It’s an aching, nagging pain that can feel impossible to improve. Most of us do not get enough vitamin D, particularly in the winter. This is where supplements can be helpful. Ask us what your best options are for vitamin D supplementation.
Improves Your Mood
It’s been studied and proven that people who live where there is the most sun and comfortable weather year round have the fewest reported cases of depression. There are many factors that can contribute to this, like the ability to get exercise outside year round, not having to cover up as much so your body can absorb vitamin D from the sun, as well as just having the ability to spend time outside with friends and family. Whichever is the cause for you, exposure to the sun is a great way to ensure you feel good.
Give Your Immune System a Boost
Vitamin D is required for a healthy immune system, which is likely a reason we are more prone to illness in the winter. There are several variables required for optimal immune system health, including your diet, physical activity, mental wellness, and being around people you love. Remaining physically and mentally well are the best ways to maintain an immune system that is able to fight disease.
The Sun Just Feels Good
I know, there is a lot of information about the sun being bad for our skin. And truthfully, too much of it certainly is. Being outside in the sun long enough to burn your skin is not ideal, and is what can lead to skin cancer. Research has shown that our bodies do not absorb the vitamin D the same if we are wearing sunscreen, but if the alternative is sun damage it can be the only option. Having bare skin exposed to the sun has its benefits in very short doses, so if 5 minutes a day is enough for you, that’s ok too. But let’s not forget how good the sun feels when we are taking the necessary precautions.
Let’s spend some time safely outdoors. Whether you are gardening, sipping your morning tea on your front porch, or reading a book on your balcony, you can still reap the benefits of our summers. And if you are spending extended periods of time in the sun, don’t forget your shade or your sunscreen.