Exercise? Say What?

As a physical therapist, one of the most common phrases that I hear when meeting new patients is "I don't work out as much as I want to."  Ok, fine.  Are you saying that because you mean it, or are you saying it because you have a health professional sitting in front of you and you feel that you need to say that to us?

You hear it all the time.  One of the top New Year's Resolution every year is to "lose weight" and "get in shape", and gyms all around the nation make a KILLING in the beginning of every year of people full of hope and promise of starting the new year off on the right foot.

As a performing artist, it is especially important that you try and have some sort of regular cardiovascular or strength training program set into place.  Like I mentioned in my last article, the large majority of musicians spend a large portion of their day either sitting at a desk job or practicing/rehearsing/performing. 

You tell me:  Same or different?

Photo Credit: upliftconnect.com

Photo Credit: glenngouldinterviews.com/

The Center of Disease Control currently recommends that a minimum of TWO types of physical activity is needed to improve overall health

• 2.5 hours of moderate-intensity aerobic activity in a week   +   muscle strengthening activities 2+ days/week

OR

• 1 hour 15 minutes of vigorous-intensity aerobic activity   +   muscle strengthening activities 2+ days/week

OR​

• Equivalent mix of moderate and vigorous-intensity aerobic activity + muscle strengthening activities 2+ days/week

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You can read more about the CDC's recommendation HERE
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Now, I am not recommending that everyone go out and jump into these high-intensity programs.  What I AM suggesting is that start at a level that you are comfortable with and gradually work your way up to these recommended durations, especially if you are currently leading a sedentary lifestyle.  This is something that needs to be built into your daily routine.  It will be a struggle at first, but soon enough it will become second nature, just like picking up and dinking around on your axe.

I'm hoping that in the near future, I can talk about specific exercise programs (ie. Insanity, Crossfit, CardioBarre, Piloxing - the newest rage here in LA), but honestly, there is so much stuff out there I would need a separate blog to cover it all.

Long story short, get out, move around, even if it is 'just' walking.  

Stop talking and start doing.  

Until next time, stay happy and healthy!