Let’s talk about Exercise!
Your medicine is exercise. This does not sound appealing. It hardly appears to be rewarding. How can we alter our attitudes about exercise in order to make it more fun and reap its numerous benefits?
Let’s explain this logically.
Our bodies have evolved to adapt to stress. This is the fundamental law of evolution. By design, the cells that make up our body react to stress in a truly remarkable way. We grow to overcome it. We must move to survive. But there are certain brackets we must stick to. We are only human after all, and the many cells that make up our bones, joints, nerves, and muscles will not adjust to sudden spikes in stress. Alternatively, they will become weak if not stressed enough
Taking control…
- Firstly, exercise must be made obvious. Although many thoughts seem to appear at random, many more are triggered by our environment. Predetermine a suitable time and place. Set the trigger if it is an alert on your phone or a printout next to the remote.
- Next, make it attractive. This can be achieved by watching TV or listening to music. Take advantage of your brain’s natural tendency to seek pleasurable things. This is why toothpaste manufacturers use mint flavouring.
- The next step is to make it easy. Life itself is stressful, and it’s more than likely that time and energy will act as barriers. Something is better than nothing, and consistency is key.
- The last step to taking control is to make the exercise satisfying. Reward yourself after you exercise. Have your favourite snack and a hot bath afterwards. This is training your brain as well as your body.
Not sure what exercise to do?
There is a science to movement. Through an intimate understanding of anatomy and physiology, health professionals weaponise exercise. Specific and individualised advice on how to take control of your body If you’re managing or recovering from a particular disorder or injury, seek advice from your physiotherapist or exercise physiologist.
A final thought…
When you or a family member becomes ill, a medicine or treatment is prescribed to improve your health. Even if it’s your elderly pet, you trust the vet’s judgement and give the correct doses diligently. Exercise is a therapy, both preventative and remedial. Take responsibility. Take your medicine.
Make an appointment with one of our expert Physiotherapists or Exercise Physiologists for your personalised prescription exercise.
By Rhett Cheney
Physiotherapist