Healthy New Year's Resolutions

As we head into 2022 with the world opening back up, it’s time to think about some healthy New Year’s resolutions.

The last few years have made it tough for many of us to maintain our fitness routines. Whether we were working from home with easy access to the kitchen or worried about coming into contact with the virus at the gym, many of us added a few pounds.

Or maybe you have other concerns altogether. Think you’re too old to start a fitness plan? Think you have health conditions that would prevent you from exercising? You’re never too old to benefit from being active, and an expert can help tailor your workout to your individual situation.

There’s no reason to not start working on a healthier you. A good fitness plan will not only make you look and feel better, it’s also great for your bones, joints and many chronic conditions.

One of the most common resolutions people make is losing weight. Studies have shown that nearly half of all Americans put weight loss at the top of their healthy New Year’s resolution list. 

It’s no secret that shedding the pounds can improve your health and quality of life in many ways. One of those is the fact that weight loss can help reduce stress on joints and your back. Obesity is a common cause of many bone and joint conditions, including osteoarthritis, back pain and knee pain, among other issues.

While many people make weight loss a resolution, far fewer actually accomplish that goal. It’s important that you don’t jump on the latest diet fad that promises quick weight loss. They may work in the short term, but they’re not sustainable and, over time, we fall back into bad habits. To lose the weight and keep it off requires a lifestyle change.

One of the most important parts of a healthy New Year’s resolution is eating better. It may also be one of the toughest changes to make. Many of us reached for comfort foods during the stresses of the pandemic, and the results of that are obvious every time we look in the mirror.

Proper nutrition, particularly foods rich in calcium and vitamin D, are important for strengthening bones. For patients with osteoporosis, a well-balanced diet can slow or possibly even reverse bone loss. Good sources of calcium and vitamin D include live-caught fish, such as salmon, nuts, leafy greens and eggs. Also, soak in the sun safely when you can, as it’s the best source of vitamin D.

If you need help figuring out how to best fuel your resolution, consider seeing one of the nutritional coaches at The Training Room. They can help you evaluate your options and put you on the road to healthier eating that will help make your weight loss goals a reality.

The other piece of the weight loss puzzle is to get moving. Make an exercise routine part of your healthy New Year’s resolution. It’s a good idea to start by looking for things you enjoy doing. If you like to dance, crank up the music and do it every day. If you enjoy taking a walk through the park or your neighborhood, get out and get that fresh air (and vitamin D). Even small changes, like taking the stairs instead of an elevator can make a big difference.

For those with chronic pain conditions, being active can be more of a challenge, but not moving because of pain may lead to much larger problems. POSM offers pain management services that can help you uncover the cause of your pain and overcome that obstacle. Our specialists can help you come up with a plan to manage your pain and exercise safely so you can get moving again.

Now that we’ve discussed some of the core goals for a healthy New Year’s resolution, let’s talk about how to make it happen! It’s one thing to know what you need to do, it’s another to actually adjust your life for success. According to U.S. News & World Report, a stunning 80% of people fail to keep their New Year’s resolutions. The steps to success involve thinking small, building self-trust, creating optimistic challenges, and becoming more self-aware.

No matter your situation or your level of fitness, working with one of our specialists to help you set healthy and realistic goals for diet, exercise and pain management can put your dreams of a healthier lifestyle in reach.

Anyone who is serious about exploring healthy new year’s resolutions will be excited to learn about facilities like The Training Room. They combine physical therapy, one-on-one and group athletic training, and nutritional coaching all under one roof. The Training Room’s healthcare providers and trainers guide and empower people of all ages and abilities to achieve and surpass their goals.

Osteoporosis is often called a silent disease because bone loss occurs without symptoms. When diagnosed early, The specialists at POSM’s Osteoporosis Clinic can initiate preventative lifestyle changes and treatments before additional bone loss and fractures can occur.

We speak with patients every day who know they should be more active, but aren’t because of a chronic pain condition. Because pain affects everyone differently, effective pain management is essential to a successful New Year. POSM’s pain management services include interventional procedures along with medication management and physical therapy.

If you have been putting off improving your life, you can start having a happier new year today. The specialists at POSM are here to help you diagnose the issues that have held you back. Once you understand your situation, and have a plan and supportive team, you’ll be on the path to achieving your healthy New Year’s resolution! Contact us today to schedule an appointment.