A New Year........

    As I was driving home a few days ago, I saw a sign in front of a local health club boldly advertising "A New Year, A New You"! I was struck by the implication that the "old you" wasn't good enough, and if you would join this gym, you would be transformed into the "you" that the health club thought you should strive to be. I started wondering how many of us made New Year's resolutions to join a gym (or actually go if you already have a membership), exercise more, get into better shape and transform ourselves into a stronger, healthier person in 2011.

    Here we are, already in the second month of the New Year. Our resolutions may have sounded quite reasonable during the festivities of the holiday season, but now it's February. The cold bleak weather, demands of work, family and the reality of time constraints may sabotage our efforts to achieve our goals. Perhaps we are even overwhelmed by our goals and have already given up.

    But here's another idea: why not change your strategy to make your goals more achievable? Start with small, simple changes at home and at work that could easily be incorporated into your daily routine. Just a few minutes of exercise each and every day can have a huge, positive impact on your strength, flexibility, overall health and fitness.

    Let me give you a few examples. Keep a set of light weights at home for your arms and shoulders. Do a few mini squats and lunges for your hips, thighs and buttocks. Sit and gently bounce on an exercise ball while watching TV to improve your posture, balance, stimulate circulation and strengthen your low back and abdominal muscles.

    While doing household chores, slow down and really focus on the quality of your movements as you move about your work. The simple act of cleaning the kitchen then turns into an opportunity to improve your gait, balance, strength, flexibility, posture, body awareness and body mechanics. And it surely makes cleaning the kitchen more interesting! The possibilities are endless. Use your imagination; be creative and design a program that is unique for yourself. Make it fun, playful and interesting.

    Remember, if it's physical, it's therapy, and every move counts!

Be healthy!
Cheryl Ilov, PT, GCFP