The new year is here and with it comes the perfect opportunity to focus on giving yourself — and your loved ones — a life-changing gift: the gift of exercise. Forget the guilt-laden resolutions or unrealistic goals. This year, it’s all about celebrating what your body can do and discovering the joy of movement.

Why Exercise is the Ultimate Gift

Exercise isn’t just about fitting into a smaller size or breaking personal records. It’s a gift that keeps on giving, improving physical, mental and emotional well-being. Research shows that just 150 minutes of moderate activity a week can lower your risk of heart disease, diabetes and certain cancers by up to 50%. If that’s not motivation enough, regular exercise has also been linked to better sleep, improved focus and even a boost in happiness thanks to those feel-good endorphins.

Plus, moving your body can strengthen relationships. Studies indicate that couples or friends who exercise together not only deepen their bonds but are also more likely to stick to their fitness routines. So, grab a buddy or join a group class to make fitness both fun and social!

Getting Started: It’s Easier Than You Think

Not sure where to begin? Start small and pick activities you genuinely enjoy. Love the outdoors? Walking on Sullivan’s Island or biking the trails around Mount Pleasant can turn movement into an adventure. Prefer something structured? Local studios offer yoga, Pilates, HIIT and spin classes that cater to all fitness levels.

The key is consistency, not perfection. Even 10-minute bursts of exercise throughout the day can add up to major health benefits. Try parking a little farther from the store, taking the stairs instead of the elevator or incorporating stretches into your morning routine. These small steps can help you build momentum without feeling overwhelmed.

Stay Inspired All Year Long

Nearly 80% of New Year’s resolutions fizzle out by February. To stay on track, focus on progress, not perfection. Celebrate small wins, like walking an extra block or mastering a new move. Remember, exercise is a lifelong journey, not a momentary sprint.

And don’t be afraid to mix it up. Trying new activities — like paddleboarding on Shem Creek or a group pickleball class — keeps things fresh and exciting. Who knows? You might discover a hidden talent or favorite workout.

This year, make exercise a gift, not a chore. Whether you’re hitting the gym, dancing in your living room or exploring Mount Pleasant’s gorgeous outdoor spaces, every step is a step toward a healthier, happier you. The best time to start? Today. Let’s move into the new year together!

By Katie Finch

 

5 exercises to strengthen your parents’ knees

Rishabh shared the clip with the caption, “5 exercises I get my mother to do to have her build strong knees. Share this with your parents, friends and anyone else who can make use of this routine. I hope this helps.” He even shared the steps to the workouts. All you will need is a chair. Here are the five exercises he suggested:

1. Calf raises

To do the calf raises, the fitness expert made his mother move the entire weight onto the toes while going up. While coming down back to her heels, he made her slow down the descent. He suggested doing the exercise for 18 to 20 repetitions.

2. Hip flexor lift

Take a chair and sit down. Now, lift one leg at a time using only the hip. Keep alternating for 20 repetitions.

3. Seated toe raises

Make your parents sit closer to the edge of the chair and ask them to plant their feet on the ground. Now, they will have to raise their toes completely off the ground, as much as they can manage. Slowly bring the toes back down and do the exercise for 20 repetitions.

4. Knee extensions

Place your feet firmly on the ground while sitting on a chair. Then, extend your kneed parallel to the ground, one at a time. Pause your leg for a fraction of a second in the air, and then apply some resistance on your parent’s leg from the top. Ask them to push it back. Then, slowly bring the leg down to the ground and repeat the exercise.

5. Hamstring curls

For this exercise, stand while holding the back of the chair for support and bend the knee to a 90-degree angle [parallel to the ground]. Then, do the same drill. Apply some pressure on the leg and ask them to push back and slowly bring their leg down. Repeat.

Things to keep in mind

In the end, the coach added that he finishes off the routine by asking his mom to do a 5-minute backward walk. Additionally, he suggested that if you are assisting your parents, make sure the surroundings are safe and clean to avoid any injuries.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your doctor with any questions about a medical condition.

Steppin is a new app for consumers looking to repurpose the endless hours spent scrolling on social media with beneficial physical activity. With Steppin, users can block social media apps until they walk a certain amount of steps, encouraging them to achieve their fitness goals before settling down for screen time. Steppin can also be set up to block time-consuming entertainment apps like Netflix or mobile games.

The company has future plans to count more than just steps, allowing users to eventually track yoga classes and other physical activities that earn them scrolling time.

The Steppin app is now available for free on the iOS store, and the app will launch for Android users in the near future.

Image Credit: Steppin