How Do You Balance Exercise in a Busy Life?

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Are you being pulled every which way these days and find that exercise often falls to the bottom of the to-do list, or doesn’t even make it at all? The benefits of exercise are many: lowers blood pressure and cholesterol, keeps your heart healthy and your bones strong, keeps weight steady and relieves stress. So, what can you do when your life is busy? If your life is full with things that can’t necessarily be done away with, keep reading for some tips to get maximum benefit out of short workout windows.

Forget the idea that you need to be in the gym every day for a couple of hours. This just isn’t necessary and for most people, not even possible. Modify the way you workout and go for a maximum intensity session of circuit or interval training. Work on your upper and lower body in the same workout and reduce rest periods to cut down on the time. A trainer at a reputable gym can help you create a circuit to target all muscle groups, burn calories and give a good cardiovascular workout. You can build strength by adding weights as you progress and work up to completing the circuit two to four times. Write up a weekly schedule and create a time slot for a quick but effective workout 3-5 times a week.

Another common pitfall for busy people is bad eating habits. This isn’t going to help your exercise efforts so take the time to plan ahead. Pack your meals the night before so you aren’t tempted to stop for fast food. If you are busy, then you also need your sleep so make adjustments if you are lagging behind because of lack of sleep.

It is not always easy to manage a busy life but small adjustments will have a big pay off and staying healthy and fit will enable you to keep up. Make sure to call foot specialist, Dr. Tina Boucher if you have any concerns about your foot health or if foot pain is interrupting your ability to keep up with your life. Call our Meriden, CT podiatric office at (203) 238-3668 or visit us at www.centralctfootcare.com.

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How Should You Start Cycling?

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Did you know that being an average daily cyclist allows you to have the fitness level of someone 10 years younger than you? That should give you a great reason to hop on two wheels! It goes without saying that it is important to stay fit and healthy for many reasons. Cycling is a great choice because anyone at any age can do it, there is minimal investment for equipment and it can be done indoors or in the great outdoors.

I would love to get into cycling, but where do I start?

Dr. Tina Boucher, foot specialist in Meriden, CT treats athletes of all types on a regular basis. Being well prepared in any sport is the best way to avoid injury. The first place to start is to find a bicycle that fits your body and the type of cycling you want to do. Go to a reputable sporting goods store where a professional can assess the tilt of your seat, the height of the handle bars and how far you have to reach over to reach them.

Getting a true workout on a bicycle will be about getting into a steady rhythm. A consistent pattern of pedaling and coasting is not going to set you up for success. Look for long stretches of road or trail where you don’t have to keep stopping along the way. It will also be helpful to track your revolutions per minute. The standard is 80-90 and staying within that zone will give you a great cardiovascular workout without putting too much stress on your joints.

Start slowly and allow your muscles time to adjust to the new form of movement you are putting on them. Aim for easy 30-45 minute ride and work your way up. If at any point, you are have consistent pain that does not go away or recurs, stop and call our office. Dr. Boucher can diagnose any potential injury or problems to be aware of. You can make an appointment by calling our podiatric office at (203) 238-3668 or visit us at www.centralctfootcare.com.

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Staying Fit During the Winter – Part 1

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The winter months can be depressing with the snow and lack of sunshine at times. It can also be hard to stay in shape when it is cold outside or you just can’t find the energy to do anything after the holidays.

Don’t give up

Keeping fit is important. Whatever it is you do, do it. Maintaining a good level of fitness keeps your heart healthy, your weight down and your stress levels at a minimum. Find something that can work within your schedule and that you will enjoy doing.

Join a local gym and take in some classes. If that is not possible, borrow or invest in a treadmill, exercise bike or elliptical. They can be used in the warmth of your house at any time. Get a used TV and watch your favorite shows or movie to pass the time!

Find some buddies. Everything is more fun with company and it will keep you accountable. Find some neighbors and form a walking or running group or just sign up for a class together. It will keep you motivated and make things more enjoyable.

Take the winter as an opportunity to try something new. Maybe there is a winter sport or activity that would be fun to try. Skating, snowboarding and skiing are great ways to stay fit and fun things to do with kids as well.

Winter can bring its challenges and keeping your feet safe and healthy is also important. Whatever activity you choose, wear appropriate footwear and pay attention to any problems or pain.

See Dr. Tina Boucher, a foot specialist in Meriden, CT if you need treatment. Call our podiatric office today at (203) 238-3668 to schedule an appointment or visit us at www.centralctfootcare.com.

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