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Fitness
Have an exercise resolution? Fitness experts share tips to preventing injuries – Edmonton | Globalnews.ca
So that you joined the numerous different individuals who made a New Yr’s decision to train extra and take care of your physique.
It might be fashionable to scoff at setting resolutions this time of yr, however Shara Vigeant, who has been within the Edmonton health business for practically 20 years, stated doing so is just not a foul factor.
“I see resolutions as objectives and reflection: what occurred final yr that I wish to change?” stated the proprietor of SVPT Health & Athletics, a private coaching facility in south Edmonton.
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The important thing to attaining these objectives: make them life like. Set a objective for the yr, however then break it down week by week: “Don’t fear about subsequent yr and don’t fear about subsequent month. What are you going to perform this week?”
Additionally, be life like: should you haven’t lifted a weight or ran in years, you aren’t going to be setting deadlift PRs or working marathons straight away. Vigeant stated individuals must set objectives which are actually achievable to them.
“The extra advanced the objective, the extra work it takes. It’s a must to be actual concerning the work it’s going to take to get to that objective,” Vigeant stated.
“I do know this can be counterintuitive, however decrease the bar: discover what’s the most achievable for you.”
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Going too arduous off the get-go gained’t simply depart you with beginner aches and pains which will make you wish to throw within the towel — it could actually additionally pressure you to be sidelined.
That is the time of yr physiotherapists say they have an inclination to see extra accidents.
“Just a little an excessive amount of, too quickly, or attempting issues that they haven’t haven’t tried earlier than — that’s the place hassle begins to occur,” stated Adam Burns, a physiotherapist with Main Edge Physiotherapy.
He stated most typical accidents are from repetitive pressure, particularly within the shoulders and elbows.
Burns stated crucial factor to forestall harm is to heat up earlier than a exercise with gentle exercise like a five-minute stroll or stationary bike experience, after which to begin the workouts slowly.
“Ensuring you’re doing a little some dynamic stuff, getting the physique shifting and getting the physique warmed up,” he stated.
“Issues like some gentle lunges after which constructing slightly little bit of a rotation with that, some gentle theraband and workouts in your shoulders. Some toy troopers, some marching on the spot, some bum kicks.
“Simply get the legs going, get the blood flowing, get the center price elevated slightly bit in order that the physique’s prepared for the primary occasion.”
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As for that foremost exercise, Vigeant stated exercises have to be tailor-made to the person.
Most health specialists agree: accidents are additionally attributable to dashing by means of routines, not listening to correct kind and never resting sufficient between train units.
Repetitive influence has an impact on joints and toes, so that you need correct sneakers to cut back any likelihood of harm.
Taking a digital class with an teacher who can see you’ll be able to assist guarantee actions are carried out correctly, as figuring out with out steering can result in dangerous kind and harm.
When cooling down after a exercise, Burns recommends stretches and utilizing a foam curler to get deep into muscle tissues.
He stated analysis has proven static stretching — lengthening a muscle to the purpose of rigidity for 30 seconds per stretch — isn’t as useful.
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Folks new to health are additionally inspired to hunt assist and recommendation from knowledgeable comparable to a private coach, a physiotherapist or kinesiologist.
“You don’t need to do grandiose issues,” Vigeant stated. “You don’t need to go from zero to 100 as a result of that’s not going to stay.”
Vigeant stated individuals have to be form to themselves.
“It’s like selecting the bottom hanging fruit to enhance your well being. Not placing a lot stress on your self and saying, ‘You understand what, That is all I can do at this time. And a stroll is all you are able to do at this time.’ Then that’s nonetheless one thing greater than you probably did the day earlier than.”
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Edmonton gyms eager for 2023 uptick
Whereas exercise-goers are setting their resolutions, these within the business say it has been by means of some robust instances over the previous few years. They hope with no pandemic restrictions, 2023 will carry extra individuals again to gyms.
Archetype, a boutique health facility contained in the J.W. Marriott tower in downtown Edmonton, stated it has been seeing a gradual inflow of recent memberships.
Joel Schneider, the gymnasium’s well being and human efficiency supervisor, stated individuals are nonetheless aware of COVID-19 and the opposite respiratory sicknesses circulating locally. Nonetheless, many are additionally desperate to get again right into a routine and begin engaged on their well being and health objectives.
“Issues really feel regular once more, after every thing that we’ve been by means of since COVID: no restrictions, individuals coming again (and) feeling comfy, seeing extra individuals downtown — it’s good,” Schneider stated.
“It feels such as you’re beginning the yr off on a optimistic be aware.”
“It’s good to have the ability to work on health and in addition to see all people — the group is so good too,” new gymnasium member Sarah Fitzgerald stated. “New objectives within the new yr. Jan. 1, everybody desires to affix the gymnasium — its an excellent fashionable factor to do.”
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When public well being restrictions have been in place, it was a tricky time for lots of health services, together with SVPT.
Vigeant stated three issues modified throughout that point: how individuals work, how they use their time and the way they spend cash.
She stated that has made it tougher to foretell health traits that she used to have the ability to nail down month by month.
“It’s been actually, actually arduous. Like, as a small enterprise proprietor, it’s been arduous to navigate the place individuals are spending their cash and why and when and all of that,” Vigeant stated.
“I’m hoping that if something, individuals are going to actually make their psychological and bodily well being a precedence — as a result of I feel the pandemic put that into the forefront.”
Vigeant stated whereas it has been a gradual begin to this point, traditionally, memberships have a tendency to extend mid-January, as soon as children are again at school and households return to post-holiday routines.
“It’s a must to begin while you’re able to commit. You possibly can’t pressure it as a result of that kind of stress gained’t create adherence to a brand new plan.”
Vigeant hopes the brand new yr brings a brand new begin for many individuals in search of change of their lives.
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The way to keep in step with New Yr resolutions
“I positively hope that individuals are desirous to get out of their homes, off their on-line exercises and basement exercises, get out and right into a health group,” she stated.
“Be round individuals and get some actual skilled recommendation on find out how to transfer ahead with their health objectives.”
Fitness
Bored of Walking? Get Lean With These 5 Strength Exercises Instead
Whether you’re bored of the same old walking routine or want to boost your fitness, strength training is the name of the game. While walking is excellent at torching calories, strength training offers benefits beyond burning calories in the moment. That’s why we spoke with a fitness pro who outlines the best strength exercises to get lean when you’re tired of walking.
“With strength training, you’re not only burning calories during the workout, but you’re also building lean muscle. This added muscle mass increases your metabolism, allowing you to burn more calories even at rest,” explains Stan Kravchenko, celebrity coach and founder of OneFit.com. “Your body will naturally expend more energy to maintain muscle mass, which supports weight loss and overall health over the long term.”
Similar to walking, strength exercises benefit your cardiovascular fitness, but they provide substantial advantages for bone density, muscles, and injury prevention as well. “Building muscle mass promotes longevity and better supports your joints, ligaments, and tendons as you age,” Kravchenko adds. “If your goal is to lose weight and build lean muscle, strength training is an effective path.”
That being said, you don’t have to choose one form of exercise over the other. A well-rounded workout routine should include both! Kravchenko recommends performing strength training on one day and utilizing walking as an active recovery exercise on another.
Below are five excellent strength exercises to get lean that are perfect for your upper body, core, and lower body. “Performing these exercises consistently will help you build strength, improve body composition, and support other health benefits, such as increased muscle size, enhanced bone density, reduced body fat, and more,” says Kravchenko.
Goblet Squat
The goblet squat is a great choice to target your core and lower body, firing up your hamstrings, quads, glutes, and core muscles. “The goblet squat is suitable for everyone, from beginners to those with more experience, as it helps keep the torso upright, making it a safe and effective option for building lower-body strength,” Kravchenko tells us.
- Stand tall, feet hip-width apart, holding a dumbbell with both hands like a goblet at your chest.
- Lower into a squat, keeping your chest tall and back straight.
- Once your thighs are parallel to the ground, press through your heels to stand up tall.
- Complete 3 sets of 8-12 reps.
Pulldown
“This exercise is ideal for working on your pulling motion and strengthening your back muscles,” explains Kravchenko. “The seated cable pulldown allows you to perform the exercise safely and effectively, with good control over each repetition.”
- Sit at a lat pulldown machine with your knees secured under the pad and feet firmly planted on the ground.
- Grab the handle and pull it down to your upper chest.
- Use control to return to the start position.
- Complete 3 sets of 10-12 reps.
Dumbbell Chest Press
“The dumbbell chest press is a great exercise for pushing movements, targeting the chest, triceps, and front shoulder muscles,” Kravchenko points out. “Unlike machines or barbells, dumbbells offer more freedom of movement, which is often safer for shoulder joints.”
- Lie flat on your back on a workout bench with a dumbbell in each hand and arms extended over your chest.
- Lower the dumbbells toward your chest until your elbows reach a 90-degree angle.
- Press the weights back up.
- Perform 3 sets of 10-12 reps.
Single-Leg Press
“This exercise allows you to work each side of your body individually, helping to balance any strength differences between your legs,” says Kravchenko. “The single-leg press prevents one side from compensating for the other, making it especially beneficial if you have one leg that is more dominant. Similar to a unilateral dumbbell chest press for the upper body, this exercise targets your glutes and legs effectively.”
- Sit at a leg press machine with one foot on the platform.
- Press the weight away from your body.
- Lower the weight using control.
- Switch legs after completing each set.
- Perform 3 sets of 8-10 reps for each leg.
Pallof Press with Rotation
“This is a fantastic core exercise, chosen specifically because it introduces a rotational movement,” Kravchenko explains. “Unlike the previous exercises, which all operate in the sagittal plane, the Pallof press with rotation works in the transverse plane, challenging your core and obliques in a different way.”
- Attach a resistance band or cable at chest level.
- Stand tall, perpendicular to the anchor point, holding onto the handle with both hands.
- Press the handle away from your body and slowly rotate your torso toward the anchor point, activating your core muscles.
- Return to the start position.
- Perform 3 sets of 12-15 reps per side.
Alexa Mellardo
Fitness
Fitness: Is mindfulness the key to a more enjoyable workout?
If exercise pushes you so far outside your comfort zone that physical activity is associated with pain more than pleasure, there’s little motivation to get off the couch.
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There’s no shortage of rumination about why more than half of Canadians don’t meet the recommended 150 minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity per week. Lack of time is a common excuse, but there are plenty of busy people who exercise regularly. Access is another often-stated barrier, though most Canadians can safely exercise outdoors or in the privacy of their own home should other fitness facilities not be within an easy commute.
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What’s often ignored is the role enjoyment plays in exercise adherence. For those who revel in a tough workout, the idea some people hate to sweat may seem strange. But if exercise pushes you so far outside your comfort zone that physical activity is associated with pain more than pleasure, there’s little motivation to get off the couch.
Once exercise becomes coupled with discomfort, getting reluctant exercisers to find pleasure and enjoyment in physical activity is an uphill battle. To help improve its appeal, researchers have been looking at the effectiveness of something called “extrinsic strategies” to promote better exercise adherence. Defined as “environmental manipulations of the exercise experience that fall outside of the FITT principles,” extrinsic strategies are more about the mental, rather than physical aspects of exercise. In short, the focus is less about the frequency, intensity, time and type of exercise, and more about the role feelings play in the adoption of a regular workout routine.
To be clear, we’re not talking about taking the effort out of exercise. Extrinsic strategies work on altering the perception of effort. Even more granular, it’s important to alter how effort is perceived during, not after, a workout. There’s a marked difference in how people feel once they wipe the sweat off their brow compared to when they’re grinding it out just hoping to finish. And while some people use the feeling of accomplishment that comes after a tough workout to motivate their return to the gym, others can’t get past the memory of how uncomfortable it felt in the moment.
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One of the extrinsic strategies to improving the exercise experience is focusing on external stimuli instead of how the body feels. Music is a popular distraction, which is why so many exercisers listen to their favourite playlists. Another option is exercising outdoors where nature works its magic at diverting exercisers from the internal sensations of effort. Exercising with a friend or within a group also helps. But contrary to using external distractions to dampen the effort of exercise, is the novel idea of leaning into how your body feels during a tough workout.
Mindfulness is defined as paying attention to what’s happening in the moment while also being open to how the body responds physically and mentally to the current experience. In other words, instead of trying to disassociate from the feelings of effort, mindfulness aims to accept and acknowledge the exertion it takes to complete a workout.
The idea that mindfulness is effective at improving exercise adherence is gaining traction, with initial studies suggesting it has merit, but mostly when exercising at lower intensities. Learning to accept and become comfortable with the feelings associated with physical exertion could be a crucial first step in finding pleasure in exercise.
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A recent study published in the Journal of Sports Sciences recently tested the effectiveness of mindfulness in enhancing the exercise experience. The goal of the research team was to see if mindfulness “could prove a useful pleasure enhancing strategy during exercise.”
A test sample of 34 recreationally active men and women were divided into two groups. One group was equipped with a recording taken from Headspace, a popular meditation and mindfulness app, that focused exercisers on tuning into their body and its movement. The control group was without any mindfulness tools.
Both sets of exercisers were asked to follow a 1.5-mile loop through a local park at a self-selected intensity they could sustain for 20-25 minutes. Heart rate was continually monitored, and study subjects were asked to check in with how they felt at two points during the walk (at 0.5 and one mile).
Results indicated listening to a mindfulness recording led to a more pleasurable exercise experience than walking the loop without. That positive response to exercise continued after the workout finished, another sign the mindfulness guided walk produced the kind of enjoyment that could encourage exercisers to walk more often.
Learning to appreciate the feelings associated with effort is an interesting strategy to introduce, especially to new exercisers who often negatively perceive the physical sensations that occur during a workout. With more practice accepting, instead of tuning out, those feelings, a greater number of novice exercisers could become more tolerant of the effort required to improve overall fitness. It’s also an interesting approach for seasoned exercisers who generally rely on disassociating from the intense feelings of a hard workout.
Acknowledging, accepting and appreciating the effort of being physically active are tools every exerciser can lean into when the going gets tough. More importantly, it could be part an improved strategy to get more Canadians enjoying the 150 minutes a week they spend working up a sweat.
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Fitness
‘WH’ Editors Put These Fitness Gifts On Their Wishlist
Jasmine Gomez is the Commerce Editor at Women’s Health, where she cover the best product recommendations across beauty, health, lifestyle, fitness, and more. When she’s not shopping for a living, she enjoys karaoke and dining out more than she cares to admit. Follow her @JazzeGomez.
Mark Stock is a food, drink, and outdoors writer from Portland, Oregon. He spent years making, selling, and sipping Pinot Noir in the Dundee Hills before a full return to his journalistic roots in 2016. In addition to Men’s Health, he writes for SevenFifty Daily, Sip Northwest, The Somm Journal, The Drake, Willamette Week, Travel Oregon, and more.
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