With longer days and warmer weather, spring is a great time to jump start your exercise routine. Why not challenge yourself both physically and mentally this year?
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by Ryan Huxta, Exercise Physiologist, Healthy Weight Management Center
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It's that time of year when the days will be getting longer, the weather will be getting warmer, the sun will be shining, and birds will be chirping. Spring is a great time to jump start your exercise routine!
Let me suggest that you challenge yourself physically and mentally this spring. For some of you, it may mean committing yourself to daily walking around your neighborhood or getting to the gym regularly. For others, it may mean marking a date on the calendar to run or walk a local 5k event—and there are many to choose from around the county.
Whatever it is, I encourage you to challenge yourself—and also believe in yourself. Believe that you can accomplish whatever it is you set your mind to. If you want it badly enough, you'll find a way to do it. Seek help if you need it, and you'll see your physical and mental health improve.
And for those of you who are seeking stress management, did you know that exercise has been shown to be equally as effective as medication and behavioral therapy? A patient recently told me how exercise is her way to “sweat the stress.” Sweating the stress away is a great thought every time you lace up the shoes to exercise.
Why wait? Start now, and I don’t think you'll be disappointed.
Ryan Huxta is an exercise physiologist at Bariatrics Physician Associates, a partner in the Healthy Weight Management Center at Lancaster General Health.