By Carrie McKewan
Personal Fitness Trainer -- A2 Physical Therapy
The holiday season can be a chaotic time, but I hope you were able to find moments of calm. Whether that was a hike or short walk outside, or even 10 minutes of meditation. Finding peace is important to your well-being, especially following such a high energy time of year.
The new year is often a constructed point in time for us to feel refreshed and ready for a new beginning. Let’s embrace that burst of fresh energy and focus on developing better lifestyle choices.
However, I heard clients recently say, “I don’t like setting resolutions for myself, I just end up disappointed when I don’t follow through on them.”
We at A2 Physical Therapy are here to set you up for success. Here are some strategies to get you started on tackling your goals in 2020!
Don’t: Set inflexible goals.
Do: Instead, make a list of personal reflections. For example: Did you eat less refined sugar last year? Keep it up! Did you exercise consistently? Keep doing that! Reflect and continue to build on your successes!
Don’t: Go it alone.
Do: Share reflections and goals with friends. Find people who will support and reassure you through the journey. It’s easier to remind one other that health, and our lives in general, are not linear, and there are ups and downs to be expected. The A2 community is here to help you, too.
Don’t: Feel Pressure to Set a Resolution
Do: Set goals because you want to. Do it knowing it might not be easy. And if you hate it, don’t be afraid to try something new! Work to be comfortable with change and allow it to happen. And do it when you’re ready.
"A2 Physical Therapy is very professional. What I liked the most is that they are very thorough with their assessments and personalizing exercises/treatment according to my pain/limitations/injuries. I really do feel stronger and feel confident to get even stronger! Everyone has a super positive attitude which helps with motivation. Thank You!"
− A. Mun
"I had a lot of fear after surgery, afraid that I would not regain mobility and strength. I feel that A2 helped me achieve a higher plateau of health, motion, and strength than I would’ve achieved elsewhere. Also, A2 has taught me the exercises to go even further, to strengthen and mobilize my shoulder. I fully trust A2 and will recommend them to all my friends, family, and coworkers. They have all treated both me and my wife with a gentle kindness that is rare today and have made us feel welcome in their care. Very professional, but with a sense of caring; that is how I would describe A2. I will miss them all and am very grateful to have been in their hands."
− Roger
"Physically and mentally as healthy as I can be is my goal. My father lived to 93 and fairly healthy physically and mentally. My mother is 96 years old and is failing mentally and physically. I have watched the good and bad of aging. My chances of longevity is good but I want to be mentally and physically as healthy as I can be. Not until I started working out with Kristi Cruz at A2 did I know how to prepare myself for my road ahead. Kristi has given me the tools and information for me to understand what I need. She has led me by my hands and feet to improve me physically and talked and explained to help me understand the process. Working out with Kristi two or three times per week is a priority and my recipe for good mental and physical health. My name is Geri Markham and I am 71 years old. I feel as fit as I could be at my age. I have to give all the credit to Kristi Cruz at A2 for walking with me through the process. I would recommend Kristi totally if you are interested in learning to be physically and mentally healthy as you move on in life. Life is good thanks to A2 and Kristi Cruz."
− Geri