Get excited about preparing your body for activity this summer!
As winter winds down and that first hint of warm weather hits, many of us have the same reaction. The reality of realising it’s time to ditch the layers and see what’s happened to our bodies in the last few months. Don’t panic! There’s still time to get in shape, not just to look good, but to tackle all those warm-weather activities you’ll be doing.
Gym training
Strength training is a crucial factor in losing fat. Not only does it make your body and bones stronger, it also helps to raise your metabolism so you burn more calories all day long.
Strength training is also important for getting your body ready for summer activities like gardening, swimming, golfing, tennis, hiking, bike riding or any number of things we often don’t do in the winter. If you haven’t been exercising this winter, you set yourself up for injury when you jump into summer sports with little preparation.
Even a simple total body workout twice a week can help you get strong, even better is a sports-specific program.
Our physiotherapists can assist you by designing an appropriate exercise regime, giving advice on your gym program, and by educating and supervising you at the appropriate levels for your individual needs.
Cardio
Cardio, like weight training, is crucial for losing fat as well as building endurance and making your heart strong for summertime activities. Choose activities you enjoy and make sure you get your heart rate up. If you are unsure as to an appropriate heart rate, ask your physiotherapist.
If you’re just getting started, make it easier on yourself by:
Scheduling your workouts: Treat them like any important appointment
Keeping track of your workouts: Knowing you have to write them down is added
motivation
Finding someone to workout with: You’ll be more likely to show up
Start at your level: Don’t start too hard too early. Ease into exercise and allow your
body time to get into shape
Not giving up: You may fall off the wagon. If that happens, don’t waste energy
kicking yourself. Just get back to your routine and know it happens to all of us
Doing things you enjoy: There’s no reason you have to do activities you hate, so find
cardio exercises that are accessible and enjoyable for you
How can our physiotherapists help?
We can recommend exercises that are designed specifically for you to achieve your desired level of fitness. The more you repeat and become aware of an activity, the easier it becomes. Our practice looks at types of exercises/activities, specific workloads, durations of activities/sessions and intensity guidelines and can devise a plan to help you achieve your target fitness level, and get your body ready for activity this summer!
Call Winston Hills Physiotherapy Centre on 9838 8449 to start your Summer Exercise Program today.
Or fill out our online form and we will get back to you about an appointment.