Starting a new exercise regimen can be a daunting task. Depending on your level of ability and starting point, some exercise routines may be better for you than ever. The key is finding something your body can handle and that your brain can enjoy.

Talk to Your Doctor First

If you have a history of health problems and pain, it’s important that you talk with your doctor before starting a new regimen. Your chiropractor can set you up with some simple therapeutic exercises to get you started, then you can build from more. You can also ask your primary care provider what level of exercise you should be doing if you have any heart or lung problems.

Set Specific Goals

Setting specific goals is a great next step. Ask yourself why you want to start working out? You’ll never maintain the motivation to stay active if you don’t have a clear goal in mind. This will also guide what kind of exercises you should do.
Let’s look at a few common goals and explore some options.
“I’m just getting started with exercise and need to strengthen my muscles to avoid pain.”
It’s easy to feel like you’re starting from square one if you’re in this situation, but it’s not as daunting as you may think! The trick is to start small and build upon habits and ability.
If you experience a lot of pain from activities, try low impact workouts like swimming or walking on soft surfaces. This is also where therapeutic exercise or physical therapy can come into play. Doing gentle, strengthening exercises with little or no weights can be a great way to build a foundation before taking the next step.
“I’m not in a lot of pain but I want to lose weight.”
The great news about having weight loss as a goal is that there are variety of ways to achieve that goal. Aside from eating better, a combination of aerobic and strengthening exercises can have you well on your way to your goal weight. It’s a common misconception that people should focus only on aerobic exercise, but building up the muscle to support those high powered exercises is important to prevent injury.
Whether you want to exercise in the gym or on your own, there are plenty of options. You can start small by walking and hiking or jump right into jogging and biking if you’re up for the challenge. There are also an endless amount of YouTube videos and apps that provide with varietal at home routines if you’re more of a homebody. Whatever you choose, make sure it’s something you enjoy.
“I’m aging and want to maintain my independence and balance.”
Nobody likes to face the fact that their fitness and body isn’t what it used to be. Overtime, our musculoskeletal system takes a lot of wear and tear and the body can begin to deteriorate with age. It’s important to get ahead of the curve and choose exercises that will help you maintain balance and stamina.
Chiropractic is a great way for older adults to maintain coordination and mobility. When paired with the right kind of exercise, you can stay active long into your retirement. Low impact exercises and yoga are two great ways to stay active. Low impact exercises allow you to maintain muscle without putting strain on your aging joints. Yoga and tai chi can help reduce pain and help you maintain balance.

Don’t Give Up

Remember, these are just general recommendations. It’s important to recognize when a routine simply isn’t working for you. Don’t get discouraged and stop altogether, just try something else. If you have questions about your level of ability, call your doctor to discuss your options today.