Getting the Most Out of Your Workouts 💪

Jan 14

Exercise is one of the best gifts you can give your body. It lowers your risk of chronic diseases like diabetes and cancer, reduces the likelihood of stroke, dementia, osteoporosis, and obesity, and boosts your mood, sleep, and overall quality of life. Not bad for something that also helps you blow off steam after a long day 😅

But here’s the catch: most Americans aren’t getting enough movement. According to the Department of Health, 80% of Americans don’t meet physical activity recommendations, and it’s taking a toll. Nearly half of adults live with a preventable chronic disease — yet exercise positively impacts seven of the ten most common ones. That’s a powerful nudge to pause and ask:

Are you getting enough activity? 🤔

Current Guidelines at a Glance

Preschoolers (3–5 yrs): 3+ hours of physical activity daily 🧸
Kids & Teens (6–17 yrs): 60 minutes of activity a day 🚴
Adults: 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity weekly plus muscle‑strengthening on 2+ days 🏋️
Older Adults (65+): Same as above, with added balance training for stability and confidence 🧘

If you’re falling short, you might not think of your physical therapist as someone who can help — but you should! PTs are movement experts with deep training in anatomy, physiology, and biomechanics. In other words: we know how to get bodies moving safely and effectively 🚀

When a PT Can Level Up Your Fitness

A physical therapist is a great partner when:

You’re recovering from an injury or surgery
Pain or stiffness is limiting your movement
You have a chronic condition like arthritis
You want to improve balance or prevent falls
You’d love a personalized program that targets your unique strengths and weaknesses

PTs collaborate with your physicians and medical team to keep your workouts safe. As you progress, they can also coordinate with strength coaches or personal trainers to help you keep building momentum.

Move Better, Feel Better, Live Better 🌟

With a PT in your corner, you can address limitations, prevent injuries, and build a program that keeps you motivated and moving toward a healthier, more energized version of yourself. Contact Jill at PWR physical Therapy to get your started or keep you going.

References

1) Building motivation and sustainability into the prescription and recommendations for physical activity and exercise therapy: The evidence, Physiotherapy Theory and Practice, 25:5-6, 424-441,

a. DOI: 10.1080/09593980902835344

2) The physical therapist’s role in physical activity promotion. British Journal of Sports Medicine 2009;43:99-101.

a. https://bjsm.bmj.com/content/43/2/99.citation-tools

3) Improving Adherence to Exercise: Do People With Knee Osteoarthritis and Physical Therapists Agree on the Behavioral Approaches Likely to Succeed?.

a. Arthritis Care Res, 70: 388-397. https://doi.org/10.1002/acr.23297

4) Periodization and physical therapy: Bridging the gap between training and rehabilitation

a. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1466853X1500067X

Articles/Content:

1) Physical Activity Improves Your Health and Quality of Life

a. https://www.choosept.com/video/physical-activity-improves-health-quality-life

2) Home Exercise From a Physical Therapist

a. https://www.choosept.com/video/home-exercises-floor-mat