Tips for Finding Your Perfect Exercise Match
Exercise is an essential part of both mental and physical wellbeing. However, many of us struggle to find the time or motivation to stay active. Let’s explore how to keep you moving and healthy even if you're short on time or energy!
Often, when we think of exercise, we imagine jogging or going to the gym. But exercise can be anything that gets you moving! The key to enjoying long-term benefits is finding an activity you love and doing it regularly. Because exercise isn’t just about staying fit it’s about improving your quality of life as you age.
Exercise offers more than just physical benefits. Yes, losing weight, building strength, improving bone density, and enhancing cardiovascular fitness are all important. But did you know that regular exercise can also boost your mental health, improve brain function, prevent diabetes, and reduce the risk of multiple medical conditions, including falls?
Starting a new healthy activity can also connect you with a community, build self-esteem and confidence, and enhance your social life. As you learn new skills or movements, your brain forms new neural pathways a process called neuroplasticity. Physical activity has even been shown to improve learning and memory, and in some cases, protect against age-related dementia.
Here are a few tips to help you find the right type of exercise for you:
1. Do a Quick Personality Assessment
Are you competitive, or do you prefer focusing on personal growth and technique? Do you enjoy group activities or solo adventures? Choosing an activity that aligns with your personality will make it easier to stick with. Plus, you'll meet like-minded people along the way.
2. Work With Your Injuries
Injuries that prevent us from doing what we love can be frustrating. However, it’s often possible to find alternative activities that don’t aggravate the injury either as a temporary replacement or to maintain fitness during rehab. For example, if you experience hip or knee pain from high-impact sports like running, switching to swimming or cycling might be ideal. For an adrenaline rush, mountain biking could be a great fit. A physiotherapist can help you choose suitable activities based on your condition.
3. Capitalize on Your Natural Abilities
Maybe throwing and catching isn’t your thing, but hiking or running brings you joy. We all have natural strengths. Finding a sport that challenges and builds on your abilities is key to making it a hobby you’ll stick with.
4. Develop a Habit
Starting a new exercise routine can take effort much like push starting a car. It requires consistency, encouragement, and a bit of patience. But once you build momentum, everything becomes easier. Remember why you started, enjoy the process, and reward yourself for every milestone!