Regular exercise is essential for all of us. It helps control our weight and blood pressure, improve energy and cardio health, and firm up the wobbly bits. It’s also invaluable to keep our mental health in good shape.
This is good news for our lower limbs as well, as exercise strengthens the muscles, ligaments and bones in our legs and feet. However, it’s easy to fall into the trap of doing the same old exercise routine, simply because it’s familiar. This is how you fall into a rut and stop making progress, physically and mentally.
Going Round in Circles
A new exercise routine is challenging, but if you stick with it the benefits are wonderful. However, as time goes by your body adapts and things seem a little easier.
This may feel like a good thing but unfortunately, it isn’t. Once your body is more comfortable it stops burning calories so efficiently, so the benefits you gained at the start begin to diminish.
Injuries and Boredom Creep In
Constantly doing the same exercises means you’re using the same muscles continuously. Eventually, they’ll get sore and tired, and this is how injuries occur.
In addition, one of the keys to maintaining your workout is to enjoy it. Churning out the same old stuff soon gets boring and it’s all too easy to grind to a halt at this point.
A Little of Everything
A varied approach benefits the whole body as it utilises our full range of muscles, ligaments and joints. This builds strength and flexibility throughout our bodies and improves heart health.
A new exercise routine greatly improves our mental health as well. It’s a lot more fun and this helps to keep us in a much more positive state of mind.
It’s wise to include something like yoga or Pilates to keep your joints healthy and supple. Combining this with gym work, swimming or a sport is a great way to boost your overall wellbeing.
Where to Start with a New Exercise Routine?
Just make small adjustments at first. Instead of running, perhaps try the rowing machine for a change. If you usually exercise at the gym, why not head to the local park instead? There are loads of outdoor exercise classes for all abilities and a change of scenery is a real boost. Why not team up with a friend and go together? A bit of encouragement and support works wonders!
Alternatively, try something completely different. Maybe it’s time for that dance class you’ve always fancied or the tennis lessons you’ve never got round to. Don’t forget, there are always beginner classes to join so you’ll be in the same boat as everyone else.
If health issues are a limiting factor, don’t forget that even a short walk a couple of times a week will set you on the road to better health.
Get Expert Advice
The wrong exercise is just as bad as no exercise at all, so make sure you talk to your doctor, experienced trainer or teacher before you begin.
And for all of this your legs and feet need to be in tip-top shape, so come and have a chat with one of our experienced podiatrists before you start something new.
At Feet By Pody we’ll give your lower limbs a complete MOT, advise you about footwear and resolve specific issues. Added to this, our app enables us to create tailored exercise plans specifically for you which means you can access your recommended exercise videos and we can monitor your progress. If you’d like to know more, please ask us.
We look forward to seeing you at one of our London foot clinics.