Getting fit for 2017? Kick start your new year with our tips for starting exercise

The end of the festive season sees around 34 million Brit’s pledge to make a New Year’s resolution; did yours make the top ten? Unfortunately about 40% of these good intentions will be abandoned by the end of January. 

TOP 10 NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTIONS FOR 2017

1. Become more physically fit

2. Improve financial condition

3. Improve health

4. Lose weight

5. Read more

6. Change overall attitude: be more positive

7. Improve family relationships

8. Travel more

9. Do more volunteer work

10. Improve other relationships (friends, co-workers, neighbours)

A December of office parties, entertaining and overindulging through the Christmas holiday are a great reason to make us want to kick-start 2017 with a healthy diet and some exercise.

Exercise related injuries are a regular occurrence in the New Year, something that we see all too frequently at our Reigate clinic.

If getting fit is on the top of your list, here are a few tips to keep you motivated and avoid injury - the two leading causes of quitting an exercise program.

• Pick a type of exercise you will enjoy– you are more likely to keep at it.

• Perform a warm up routine and stretch before and after you exercise, also do a warm down afterwards. Doing this before and after exercise decreases the chance of hurting yourself, as muscles are less likely to get injured if they are warm and relaxed.

• Build up slowly, if you haven’t exercised in a while ease yourself back in gently, a beginner to running won’t be able to run a marathon right away, mix brisk walking with some light jogging and increase distances gradually.

• Even if you are not a beginner to a sport, think about taking some coaching or a lesson. Improving your technique will decrease your chances of picking up an injury.

• Avoid being a ‘weekend warrior’ by spreading exercise throughout the week. Overdoing it at the weekend will put you more at risk of injury.

• Listen to your body. Pain, swelling and stiffness are your body’s way of telling you to ease back on an exercise routine. If you find that these symptoms do not resolve themselves, or are beyond what you consider normal, it may be time to seek medical attention.

• Prevent injury, and boredom, by balancing cardiovascular exercise, weight training and stretching in your exercise routine.

• If in doubt ask, seek advice from a professional, sports injury specialists can offer advice on taking up an exercise regime and injury care.

Wishing you a Happy New Year and a New You, Good luck!

To find out more how an Osteopath or Sports Massage can help you, or for more information visit our website www.chartclinic.co.uk 
Call 01737 248 023 or Book Online