Physical Therapy: Maintaining Health And Fitness Through Holidays

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• Exercise Comes In Many Varieties, Says Physical Therapist

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  Besides being a preventative medicine for cardiovascular diseases, what’s great about exercise is that it is highly variable, according to a Wisconsin-based physical therapist.

  Finding something that is right for someone becomes so important in order to gain the health benefits of exercise.

  “Sometimes people think, ‘I can’t run, I can’t this’ and ‘I can’t that’ and other people say, ‘Well, you should be able to’ and ‘why don’t you,’” said Lori Thein Brody. “You really have to figure out what works for you — what works for your lifestyle.”

  Instead of focusing on the ‘can’ts,’ Thein Brody said to focus on the ‘can-dos’ and what one is able to do for their body type and in accordance with their lifestyle.

  Some activities could include bike riding with a friend or exercising independently at home with a YouTube video.

  “Or, are you better off going to a structured class because you need that structure and that commitment to get there. You really have to know yourself,” Thein Brody said.

  There are simpler options that have the added benefit of being inexpensive such as walking, jogging or running, according to Jill Thein-Nissenbaum, a staff physical therapist for the University of Wisconsin Athletics and Badger Sports Medicine.

  A walk around the neighborhood has the potential to increase strength and boost the metabolism.

  “If you look at the length of a block, you can start out walking your usual pace, but as you get towards the middle of the block, speed up your pace a little bit and then slow it back down,” Thein-Nissenbaum said.

  Incorporating hills into a walking routine is another great strategy to add in more physical activity.

  Thein Brody said even a little bit of variation can yield health benefits when doing these simpler exercises.