5 Tips for Easing into a New Fitness Routine

Sometimes, new year’s resolutions may have a slow start (hey, we’re only human!). If you promised yourself that 2019 would be the year to get back in shape, there’s good news: you still have plenty of time! Any day, week, or month is a great time to begin healthier habits that can last for a lifetime. If it’s been a while since you worked out, starting a new fitness routine can come with some aches and pains as your body adjusts to a new activity. Luckily, your Trophy Club, TX chiropractor has tips to help you ease into your new routine, protect your body, and prevent discomfort that keeps you at home with a heating pad instead of out breaking a sweat.

We believe fitness is one important part of overall wellness: if you’re looking to achieve total wellness through drug-free, surgical-free alternative care, schedule a consultation with Trophy Club, TX chiropractor Dr. Cody Doyle. Dr. Doyle offers alternative treatment options such as acupuncture, chiropractic care and complementary therapies to help you achieve a healthier, happier quality of life. We can even accept payment from most HSA or FSA funds! Call our office at 817-767-5430 to schedule a consultation.

Don’t overdo it.

We know it’s hard to pace yourself when you are excited about getting back in to shape. When you’re ready for fast results, pushing yourself to the limit can seem like the quickest way to get there. But unfortunately, your body can’t easily go from zero to one hundred. When you go too far or too fast before proper conditioning, your body is more likely to experience injuries, pain, muscles soreness and fatigue. It’s also easier to give up on a work out program when you’re constantly dealing with pain — and your mind can experience that same burn-out, too! Take things slow, and know that each step, lift, or pedal is getting you closer to your goal.

Make it manageable.

When you start your new fitness routine, give yourself realistic goals that allow some flexibility –especially at first. A goal to work out five days a week sounds great, but when you have a stressful day at work or feel under the weather, you could become discouraged from missing your weekly goal. With fitness, it’s a good idea to set a goal that’s attainable but still requires persistence. Instead of five days a week, start with just two or three and build over time.

Flexibility is key.

You should combine both cardiovascular conditioning and strength training to create a well-rounded fitness routine. But the third key ingredient of every fitness plan? Stretching. It is just as important when considering your overall health, wellbeing and agility. Stretching can protect you from injury and improve your performance; Dr. Doyle regularly recommends at-home stretching exercises as part of our complementary therapies for patients to help heal and loosen up tight or sore muscles. Stretching is best performed at the end of your workout, when your muscles are warm and can stretch more easily.

Focus on form over speed.

Jogging, yoga, cycling, tennis—whatever activity you’ve taken up, learning proper form is the foundation for a successful fitness hobby. Not only will proper form prevent injuries or accidents, but it will allow you to build and improve your abilities over time.

Listen to your body and treat it well.

Exercise is a great way to improve your physical health and refresh your mental health. Don’t think of it as a “punishment,” but as a reward to help you live healthier and longer! To remain flexible and pain-free, schedule regular wellness appointments with Trophy Club, TX chiropractor, Dr. Cody Doyle. He helps athletes and fitness junkies get over injuries through myofascial release therapy, chiropractic adjustments, or complementary therapies that improve the body’s natural functions so it can heal itself quicker. He can help you take care of your body as you begin your new fitness journey, too.

If you are looking for holistic care from a knowledgeable and experienced care provider, call to schedule your consultation with Dr. Doyle. Serving the Trophy Club, TX area and beyond, Dr. Doyle can offer chiropractic, acupuncture, and other complementary therapies that improve your body’s natural alignment and functions, allowing faster healing and pain relief. Contact our office at 817-767-5430.