The holidays are typically a time of joy and festivities. This is a time where we get together with our friends and loved ones to celebrate what a wonderful year it has been. This holiday season, more than ever, is an important reminder to how lucky and blessed we are. We must focus not only on physical fitness, but also mental health.
Fortunately in some ways both physical and mental health go hand-in-hand. We feel better we are being active, performing activities, and being with the ones who we love.
The main goal for physical fitness is to stay active. Sometimes we get lost in the routine of our daily lives that we forget that we need 20 to 30 minutes for ourselves. Whether it's a walk around the neighborhood or a quick bike ride around the park, any type of activity is better than nothing. Often people start their fitness goals with a New Year's resolution but it is also important to begin some fitness resolutions before the New Year so that anyone can continue their fitness goals into the next year.
Whether it starting a home fitness program or joining or rejoining a gym, it is important to set small goals when you begin. Sometimes the larger the goal the more difficult it is to accomplish despite an initial desire to push forward. By setting smaller goals they are more easy to accomplish and leave a better feeling in our minds.
However, while pursuing activity or fitness just remember to stay safe and listen to your body. If you have not exercised in a long period of time it is recommended to start things slowly. Prior to activity, stretching and a light amount of cardiovascular activity is preferred when there has been a long period of inactivity. Injuries can often happen in the beginning due to overexertion. Ice and heat are always good remedies and treatments for common aches and pains. If a more serious injury occurs, please call or consult your doctor for any further advice.