Move to heal: Exercise as medicine
Exercise isn’t just about staying fit; it’s a powerful tool to prevent and address various physical ailments and diseases. Our understanding of movement has evolved, revealing how specific exercises can reduce pain and injury.
If you experience niggling pain or discomfort, and a doctor confirms there is no serious issue requiring medical treatment, why not focus your exercise routine on addressing the problem? Exercise is a natural, free medicine that can greatly enhance your quality of life. Why not give it a try?
Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:
Choose one issue to work on
While you may have multiple concerns, it’s most effective to focus on one issue at a time. Be as specific as possible:
- Identify the problems: Is it pain or a limited range of motion?
- Pinpoint the location: Instead of saying “my leg hurts,” narrow it down to “calf muscle pain.”
- Determine when it occurs most often: Does it hurt when you wake in the morning or only during exercise?
Find targeted exercises
There are countless online workouts and exercise tutorials to address specific physical issues. You might need to try different routines to identify what works best for you. Ideally, you will consult a health professional or personal trainer who specialises in treating your concern and can recommend, or even guide you, through targeted exercises.
Dedicate 15-20 minutes every day
Consistency is key. Aim for 15-20 minutes of exercises each day, which is more manageable than committing to an hour-long session. Choose a specific time of day and set reminders to stay on track. Always listen to your body – if something doesn’t feel right or causes pain, stop immediately.
Regular reviews
Regularly check in with yourself, perhaps weekly, to assess your progress since starting the exercises. If you’re working with a health professional, they will likely schedule follow-ups to discuss your progress. This helps you make necessary adjustments and stay motivated, especially as you notice improvements. You may even be ready to progress to more advanced exercises.
