Some of us are lucky if we can participate in any amount of physical activity each day. Others, however, are always looking for the best way to take their fitness routine to the next level. Whichever group you fall into, IMPACT Physical Therapy can help you take your fitness routine to the next level so that you are able to see faster and more impactful results for your body and health. Try these different methods for taking your fitness routine to the next level, and be sure to share your results with our team!
The best way to begin pushing yourself and your fitness routine is to set goals. You may want to set an overarching goal, something along the lines of “run a marathon this time next year”. If you do this, you will want to create smaller checkpoint goals to keep yourself focused. This may mean running one extra mile each week until you are at your goal. The same thing goes with weight loss. Saying you want to lose 20 pounds is a lot less effective than saying you want to lose 2 pounds per month – which gives you a realistic timeline. Other goals may include increasing your reps on a weekly basis or adding a new type of exercise into your routine each month to work new muscles.
A huge part of getting your workout routine to the next level is improving your technique. This means paying attention to the small details in each movement; making sure your stance, posture, and movements are precise. By practicing poor technique, you are only hurting yourself and setting yourself up for potential injury. If you are a runner, or would like to be, we strongly recommend getting a runner’s gait analysis done. IMPACT Physical Therapy provides this service, allowing our clients to receive an in-depth analysis of their running and what needs to be worked on to improve efficiency and most importantly prevent injury. This vital information has the power to bring your fitness routine to a whole new level.
The goal of strength and conditioning is to improve movement quality and mechanical efficiency. Strength and conditioning programs usually involve a personalized workouts created by a professional in order to help the individual maximize their personal fitness abilities. It is all about reaching your potential in a safe and guided way to prevent injury.
Athletic trainers shorten rehabilitation time following an injury and works to reduce the risk of injury. Working with an athletic trainer is recommended for those that compete athletically or make their living on any sort of professional fitness or athleticism. An athletic trainer creates a continuum of care, and is armed with several different techniques for protecting the body while challenging the client to push themselves and their fitness.
Do you have a hard time sticking to a fitness routine? Don’t worry, most people do. That is why it is important to have someone holding you accountable to showing up at the gym. This may mean hiring a personal trainer, or it can be as simple as finding a workout buddy to join you. Together, you can make a workout plan and force each other to stick to it. Hold each other accountable for showing up and push each other to be better than before.
Lastly, you need to be mindful of your limits when taking your fitness to the next level. It is incredible that you want to push yourself to reach a new fitness level, but your safety and wellbeing is also important. If something hurts, ease off for a bit, and if you think you really hurt yourself, see a doctor. Being mindful of your limits will ensure you can continue your fitness routine for many years.
If you are ready to take your fitness to the next level, consider working side by side with an athletic trainer at IMPACT Physical Therapy in Chicago. Our experts will ensure you reach your goals – safely. Contact us today to request a complimentary injury screening!
