As the ball drops, confetti falls and the calendar turns, the tradition of setting New Year’s resolutions takes center stage. Many embark on a journey of self-improvement, pledging to prioritize health and wellness in the year to come. This is often done with the best of intentions to see it through the entire year and often involves certain fitness goals targeting a fulfilling active lifestyle. In this pursuit, orthopedic care and support can play a crucial 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 the end of January, the initial zeal behind 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 expectations that are unrealistic
- 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 sustainable.
Orthopedic Care Provides Vital Support
Orthopedic care becomes a crucial ally in the pursuit of 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 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 stride toward your resolutions. Because at MOSH, your journey is our mission.