It’s February, a full month into the New Year. If you resolved to start an exercise program, how’s it going for you? If you’ve lost your zeal, you’re not alone. Less than half of all people who resolve to get fit on January 1 achieve their goal. The numbers are even more dismal for people over age 50.
Dr. Heidi M. Christie and Dr. Chanda L. Day-Houts of Montgomery Foot Care Specialists have a novel suggestion for anyone who’s looking failure in the eye: don’t think of it as a failure. Instead, look at your waning enthusiasm as a learning experience. What went wrong and what could you do differently to get back on track? Here are four possibilities:
- Pick an activity you love. Maybe the exercise plan you chose just isn’t the right one for you. There’s no shame in dropping out of something you’re not crazy about – just drop into something else and give it a try. Check out a spin class at your local bike store, join a weightlifting club, swim laps at the YMCA, or step out your front door and take a brisk walk around the block. You don’t even have to stick to one activity – pick two or three you love and cross-train.
- Enlist some help. What if you’re not the type to self-motivate? Stay accountable to your exercise plan by working out with a friend. Join a gym that comes with a personal trainer who’ll help keep you motivated. Don’t go it alone.
- Utilize technology. Download a fitness app that aligns with your goals. There are apps for exercise newbies, those who want to learn more about nutrition, and people who want to pack in a lot of punch in a little time.
- Get the proper gear. Wearing the correct shoes for your activity can make the difference between killing your workout and being sidelined for weeks with stress fractures or plantar fasciitis. You can find tips on choosing the right athletic shoes on our website.
We want our patients to stay in shape. So if foot pain ever prevents you from reaching your fitness goals, don’t hesitate to make an appointment for expert treatment. Call our Montgomery, Alabama podiatry office at (334) 396-3668 or contact us online.