6 Tips for Staying Motivated to Exercise

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It’s no secret that one of the most popular New Year’s resolutions is starting an exercise program. The problem is sticking with it. Sound familiar? How many of you have vowed on January 1 to make exercise a regular part of your day and then watched the months go by, the gym pining away for your presence?

Podiatrists Samantha Boyd, DPM, Hal Ornstein, DPM, Dan Phan, DPM and Joseph Saka, DPM at Affiliated Foot & Ankle Center are passionate about our patients starting and sticking to an exercise routine. Here’s why:

  • Regular exercise helps keep the “spare tire” away. Unwanted pounds put undue stress on your feet, leading to conditions such as tendonitis, stress fractures, heel pain (plantar fasciitis), and flat feet.

  • It fights Type 2 diabetes, which leads to nerve and blood vessel damage and foot wounds that can develop into dangerous infections. Cardiovascular activities such as walking, running, and kickboxing help keep high blood sugar under control.

For a better chance at overall good health and good foot health, follow these 6 tips for sticking with your new routine:

  1. Do what you love. Were you an ace racquetball player in college? Take it up again.  If you’re not much of a swimmer, don’t sign up at the local pool.

  2. Don’t go it alone. It’s harder to blow off exercise when your friend is waiting for you for your 6:00 a.m. walk.

  3. Schedule it just like any other appointment.

  4. Plan ahead. Pack your gym bag or lay out your workout clothes the night before.

  5. Avoid injury. The fastest way to ruin an exercise program is to get injured. Wear the right athletic shoes for your activity. Start slowly and build up your time and distance as you go. Vary the type of exercise you do.

  6. Celebrate your success. Did you stick to your routine? Was this week even a little better than last? Treat yourself to a (non-food) reward!

Our board-certified podiatrists and foot surgeons can be your partners in sticking to your exercise routine. If foot pain threatens to derail you, contact us for expert treatment in Howell and Jackson, New Jersey. Call us at (732) 905-1110 or make an appointment online.