As the ball drops, confetti falls and the calendar flips, the tradition of setting New Year’s resolutions takes center stage. Many of us embark on a journey of self-improvement, pledging to prioritize health and wellness in the coming year. This is often done with the best of intentions to see it through the entire year and often involves certain fitness goals targeting a healthier, more fulfilling active lifestyle. In this pursuit, orthopedic care and support can play an important role, ensuring individuals can navigate the pitfalls of new fitness programs and stay on track for a healthier self and future.
The January Challenge
As we approach mid to late January, the initial zeal behind the resolutions often wanes. Physical and psychological factors make maintaining newfound habits challenging. In fact, studies show that 80% of individuals give up on their resolutions before the end of January. This is primarily due to psychological factors like:
- Embarking on unrealistic lifestyle changes
- Having unrealistic expectations
- Not understanding that motivation is an emotion with a limited effective time horizon
- Inability to cement a habit through practice and consistency
Additionally, the thrill of starting a fitness program can lead to overexertion, resulting in muscle fatigue, tendonitis, or even sprains and strains that can take you off your path as you’re establishing the habit. Knees, shoulders, backs, hips, elbows, and ankles are particularly susceptible to injury. Understanding these challenges is key to crafting resolutions that are not only ambitious but also sustainable.
Orthopedic Care Provides Vital Support
High-quality orthopedic care becomes a powerful ally in pursuing health and wellness resolutions. MOSH recognizes that the path to fitness is not without its hurdles. To prevent injuries as you engage in your program, keep these tips in mind:
- Always warm up adequately
- Understand and maintain proper form for your exercises
- Gradually increase intensity
If you experience a physical setback, the MOSH team stands ready to provide professional evaluation and physical therapy, ensuring you stay on course through the early months and throughout your health, fitness, and wellness journey.
Addressing Prior Injuries
For some, resolutions unearth neglected injuries that were previously ignored or tolerated. A commitment to long-term health and wellness may exacerbate the symptoms and severity associated with these issues. It’s a common scenario – that nagging pain you learned to live with suddenly demands attention. You might want to consider addressing pre-existing concerns, preventing them from hindering your journey towards better health.
Choose MOSH As Your Health Partner
Successful New Year’s resolution programs work best when they are done with a friend or a team. We’re here for that because we are more than an orthopedic institution. We’re your partner in achieving and maintaining an active lifestyle and living your best life. With extended-hours ortho walk-in clinics requiring no referral and conveniently located physical therapy clinics throughout Greater Milwaukee, we make sure orthopedic support is accessible when you need it. Trust MOSH to keep you moving forward on your health and fitness journey.
Navigating the path to health and wellness is a collaborative effort, and with our orthopedic expertise, you can confidently take on and stick with your resolutions, knowing that the team at MOSH is with you and that your journey is our mission