Exercise above your limitations in 2021
It’s the New Year New season and life gets busy - work, relationships, family and travel all make demands on our time - it’s easy to fall into habitual routines. The goals we set weeks, months or even years ago can feel like long- lost friends. Thankfully, every minute of each day is a new opportunity for change. Why couldn’t today be the one where you take the initiative and start a new habit? Let’s start with an achievable daily task that makes you stronger, fitter, healthier and - hopefully - happier.
“Well, I know most of us have set some health and fitness goals and resolutions this New Year but the bigger question is, have you considered consulting with your Doctor or Physician before you start your Exercise regimen?”
Before you start an exercise Program, it is important to consult a healthcare provider to ensure you do not have any conditions that may be hampered by the exercise. One of the things that personal trainers and sports physicians do is develop exercise ‘ prescriptions’ or exercise guidelines for clients and patients.
While almost anyone can safely exercise, some people may benefit from meeting with a professional trainer for an exercise consultation.
The top two reasons to get exercise prescriptions include safety and efficiency. An exercise program needs to be designed specifically for your health status, goals, abilities, and interests. A professional trainer can help integrate all of these pieces into a simple plan that can be followed and adjusted as needed. Exercise should be part of everyone’s life. The benefits of an active lifestyle are wellknown: it can help a person lose weight and decrease the risk of heart disease. Additionally, it relieves stress and improves one’s mood. If you are an obese person, exercise is equally important, but there are some things you should consider.
Creating an exercise schedule and fitness plan are two ways to keep yourself on- task. Develop a plan that engages in moderate- intensity activities at least 150 minutes every week. Exercise involves three types of activities: aerobic, resistance, and flexibility. Aerobic exercise strengthens the heart; resistance activities strengthen muscles, and majority neglect flexibility and stretching from Pilates which encourages joint health, good posture, improved range of motion to mention a few.
As for me, I always have to start
with a consultation first and this includes a Postural analysis and Movement analysis, I need to find out more about you before I know which exercises or class that might suit you. Particularly important when you are starting my Pilates program. Aerobic exercises like running may not be possible right away. One concern for obese individuals is protecting joints and bone structure. Low- impact exercises Like Pilates can help as they put less stress on joints while providing cardiovascular health at the same time. Walking also places less impact on joints than running, and does not require special equipment.
Resistance or strength training, like lifting weights, helps build muscles but on the other hand can be extremely bad for your joints and back.
The muscles that make it easier to move around and perform dayto- day activities which also include pelvic floor and the back muscles thus creating a strong power house or Core which will help protect you from back injury.
Please note that, learning Pilates from other than a real live instructor is not easy and does carry some slight risks. You should, in addition to the routines I will share with you, attend a Pilates class with a certified Pilates instructor and don’t hesitate to visit your doctor for clearance before you start a Pilates class.