Challenge Yourself to Make Fitness a Priority in 2017

Ryan Stevens, MPS, LAT, ATC, CSCS, clinical supervisor of Athletic Training & Wellness at the Sports Physical Therapy & Performance Center at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset

With 2017 just around the corner, December is a popular time to reflect on the past and plan for the future. Many people take this time to choose their New Year’s resolution, taking advantage of the new calendar and the opportunity to “start over.” While some may opt to save money or spend more time with family, “lose weight” and “live a healthier lifestyle” are consistently among the most popular New Year’s resolutions, according to a Nielsen report. However, these resolutions also end up on the list of most commonly broken resolutions with hopeful participants falling back into old habits long before February rolls around. To help keep 2017’s fitness resolutions going all year long, Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset (RWJUH) has compiled some tips to help build fun, easy and effective fitness habits to use during a 10-day fitness challenge beginning Saturday, December 17.

Find a fitness friend.

Everything is better with company. Find a friend to go for a run with or join a group fitness class. Studies show that those who work out in group settings are more likely to stick with the habit. Exercising with others helps hold you accountable to your workout plans and provides a support system, especially on those early mornings when the snooze button is much more tempting.

Make a playlist.

Turn up the volume on your favorite songs and get moving. Exercising to music not only makes workouts more enjoyable but also provides a steady rhythm to lock into while completing multiple reps or long runs. Be sure to stay alert to avoid injury and take a break if you experience extreme exhaustion or pain. These symptoms may be signs of injury or an underlying medical problem.

Keep your diet in mind.

A good exercise plan must be coupled with a healthy diet in order to be effective. During exercise, muscles are broken down and require ample water and nutrients for repair. By eating a balanced diet full of fruits, vegetables, whole grains and lean protein, you’ll not only boost your body’s recovery but will also promote better overall health and energy to keep powering through those workouts day after day.

Modify your workout.

Switch up your workouts at least once every 14 days to ensure your routines are new and exciting. In addition to preventing boredom, the varying routines will also work different muscle groups to provide a complete work out for your entire body. To enhance your outcomes, be sure to include these five components in your overall program: range of motion exercises, core stability exercises, functional movements, resistance training exercises and cardio/intervals. Be sure to always incorporate a warm up, cool down and stretches to prevent injury with your individual needs in mind. For a personalized workout plan, especially after injury, be sure to consult a performance coach or exercise physiologist. RWJUH Somerset currently offers specialized fitness programs at the Sports Physical Therapy & Performance Center at TD Bank Ballpark in Bridgewater, N.J. and physical therapy and rehabilitation treatment for sports injuries at multiple locations throughout Central New Jersey.

To help you keep your health resolutions in 2017, RWJUH Somerset is offering a Performance Fitness 10-Day Year-End Challenge. For only $49, community members are invited to enjoy 10 days of unlimited access to group fitness coaching at the Sports Physical Therapy & Performance Center. Participants are also provided a supplemental at-home exercise program. The Performance Fitness 10-Day Year-End Challenge is open to the first 20 registrants and to adults and students of any activity level who are looking to boost their athletic performance or are simply seeking a healthy lifestyle change. Participants will have access to coaching between December 17- 30 (no classes will be held on December 18, 24-26) and are required to attend the Challenge Kickoff on Saturday, December 17, from 9 a.m. – 10:30 a.m. There is also a $79 JUMPSTART special available at all times in case you cannot make The Challenge. Interested individuals can register for either program by emailing performance@rwjbh.org, by phone at (908) 203-5972 or online at http://www.rwjuh.edu/ssp/sports-performance.aspx.

By starting the year with healthy habits and finding creative ways to make fitness a priority, you will better be able to keep your fitness resolutions going strong all year long. To schedule an appointment or for more information about sports medicine at RWJUH, please visit http://www.rwjuh.edu/ssp/sport... or call 908-203-5972. For more fitness tips, like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram.