Written by: Christopher Huckle, DO
The new year is a time for all of us to take stock and strive for a healthier lifestyle, from eating better to working out/losing a specific amount of weight. However, as we turn the page on the first month of the new year, many people’s new years’ resolutions have sadly fallen by the wayside. Most of the time, the reason is that we give ourselves unreal expectations, and when we don’t see it immediately, we get discouraged. It is natural to feel this way, but hopefully, with a little guidance and some determination, we can turn “another resolution” into a “health revolution” for you.
Why should we exercise?
I never realized how essential movement was until my son was born. If he wasn’t sleeping, he was moving his entire body. I understood from him that our bodies were never meant to stay still. Even at his age, by moving, not only is he developing specific skills, but he is getting stronger every day. According to Isaac Newton’s First Law of Motion, “An object at rest stays at rest, and an object in motion stays in motion…” We see study after study of how inactivity leads to more significant troubles within the body such as heart disease, depression, diabetes, etc. So, if we apply Newton’s Law to medicine, we can boil it down to one simple phrase: “Motion IS Medicine.”
How can I apply this today?
The first step to changing your life today is to go out and do it. I realize our life can be hectic, and there are days we feel like there are not enough hours in the day, and we may ask ourselves, “how can we take time out to exercise?”. If you can carve out 30 mins to walk at your lunch break, or find a walking track close to home, or find some friends that will join you – you will find that this becomes easier and easier to do. According to the American Heart Association, it is recommended that we get at least 150 minutes per week of moderately intense aerobic activity, 75 minutes per week of vigorous aerobic activity, or a combination of both.
The second step is to set low hanging, attainable goals to encourage you. If your concern is the number on the scale – instead of saying you want to lose 20lbs in one month, set the goal for 5lbs, and each month keep track of your progress. If your concern is how far you should walk – start by doing one mile and then continue to increase as you can. If your interest is what you look like or what other people might think – always remember that you are beautifully and wonderfully made, and you can do it!
When do I need to see a Physician?
Sometimes we need a little direction in getting started, and that is perfectly understandable. If you would like to see a physician to discuss an exercise prescription individualized for you, please call your Primary Care Physician or ask for a referral to a Sports Medicine Physician. Together we can help get you on the path to your “New Year, New You”!
NGPG Sports Medicine offer same-day appointments and services for student or adult athletes as well as consultations for individuals suffering from non-surgical orthopedics injuries.
Schedule An Appointment
For questions, more information or to schedule an appointment, please contact NGPG Orthopedic Surgery & Sports Medicine.
About NGPG Sports Medicine
NGPG’s Sports Medicine Team consists of board-certified physicians offering more than 20 years of sports medicine experience treating patients of all ages. Specialized in treating sports-related injuries, our team is dedicated to helping athletes return to the big game and the active lifestyle they know and love.
About Christopher Huckle, DO
Dr. Christopher Huckle is a board-certified family and sports medicine physician who specializes in concussion management, shoulder, elbow, wrist, and hand injuries as well as hip, knee, ankle and foot injuries.
Dr. Huckle is specially trained in ultrasound-guided injections and alternative treatments such as biologic injections.
Before coming to Northeast Georgia Health System, Dr. Huckle practiced medicine at Campbell University in North Carolina, where he was responsible for over 500 Division-1 athletes.
Dr. Huckle also has experience treating martial arts and wrestling patients.
“I define an athlete as someone active and doing something they love to do,” stated Dr. Huckle. “My goal is to help you continue doing what you love to do.”