Emilie Martel
Masso-kinesitherapy
TO END THE EXCUSES!
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Ah, the famous New Year's resolutions! My colleague and colleague Izaak Lavarenne, massage therapist and kinesiologist, B.Sc., recently published on the clinic's website the article '' Motivation to physical activity ''. In his article, Izaak highlights the different types of motivation that lead us to want to undertake, or re-enter physical activity. As a kinesiologist, it is common to see patients experiencing a drop in motivation or even stopping their activities.
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Are you lacking motivation these days? No shame, you are not alone in this situation!
For any change in your lifestyle, whether it's quitting smoking, eating better or wanting to be more active, motivation is like a locomotive.
According to Newton, an object will remain inert unless a force is applied to move it.
And with all the modern technologies that allow us to simplify our lives, the law of least effort is more powerful than ever. So is the power of the excuses that tend to keep us sedentary.
So here are a few tips that I hope will help you overcome your excuses and encourage your motivational engine to move!
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Famous excuses or red herrings*.
1. I don't have the time.
Certainly the most common excuse.
Yet scientific research shows that 30 minutes of moderate exercise a day is all it takes to immigrate from the sedentary clan to the active clan.
And the good news is that this 30 minutes is divisible as you wish! 3 sessions of 10 minutes; 2 of 15 minutes; one of 10 and one of 20...
The possibilities are endless! Even at the office!
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2. The weather is gloomy.
The weather: the perfect excuse when you are looking for one.
2 solutions to overcome it.
The first: find the right clothes to exercise in the rain, snow, cold, heat, etc.
Adapt the intensity and duration of your exercise to the weather. Cut back and hydrate if it is hot and humid.
Dress in onion skins in winter, or on cold days.
The second: there are a variety of fun indoor exercises.
At home, in a gym, a sports club, an indoor pool, a bowling alley...
there is something for everyone! Even cleaning your home is exercise!
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3. My physical condition is too bad.
Did you know that sedentary people cost 30% more in health care costs than physically active people.
So here's a good reason to get on board the locomotive!
The best exercise to make it work: walking! It costs nothing, requires only good shoes and is the most versatile in terms of variations, intensity and duration.
Walk for the good cause of your health!
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4. It takes time to get in shape.
Totally wrong! The benefits of exercise are felt from the very first session.
Doubtful? Try it. Go for a healthy walk in a park for a few minutes during your lunch hour.
Do you notice that you are more relaxed, less stressed, more focused and have more energy to go back to work?
The more you repeat these moments of activity, the more you will feel like moving and the longer you will feel the benefits!
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5. I'm too tired.
Did you know that it is the lack of exercise that makes you tired?
On the contrary, because exercise stimulates blood circulation, which in turn helps replenish your brain with new blood full of oxygen, you are full of energy.
And the more you move, the more you will reduce your fatigue, improve your sleep and your mood in general.
In short, physical exercise is the best medicine against gloom, mental fatigue, stress, insomnia, etc.
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6. It costs a lot!
Once you find pleasure in moving your engine, you will see this issue from a different perspective.
You will see the expense of sport as an investment in your physical and mental health and enjoyment, not as another expense.
Are you in a slump? Walk, it's free!
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7. There is no gym near me.
Personally, I'd much rather be outside or in a pool. I'm really not a fan of gyms. That's my personal taste.
All in all, it is not mandatory to go to a gym. You can also choose to stay at home or at the office.
With the array of exercise videos
With the wide range of exercise videos on Youtube and on DVD, there is something for everyone and for all levels.
And if you have the option of walking or biking to work or school? Do it!
Take the stairs instead of the elevator or escalator. ETC. Be creative!
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8. I'm afraid of hurting myself.
Starting exercise in a lion's den after years of couch surfing could be dangerous for your heart and musculoskeletal structures.
But if you start gradually with a manageable intensity, the risk of injury is virtually nil.
Not sure? Ask a kinesiologist, a university-trained physical activity professional.
He or she will be able to guide you in getting your engine running.
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9. I am not skilled in sports.
It is very easy to leave the sedentary life: get up from your sofa and walk! It doesn't require any technical skills.
Ask friends, your spouse, your children. Dogs, cats and young children are excellent exercise partners!
You'll have fun moving, even if you're new to the activity!
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In conclusion...
If the adage "Appetite comes with eating" is true, the taste for movement comes with movement!
The pleasure of moving is the engine of your motivation. Slowly, but surely, it will lead you progressively towards physical and mental well-being.
Towards the path of health in all its benefits, and for a long time!
*Source: Chevalier, Richard. (2007). Pour prévenir le cancer BOUGEZ! Les Éditions La Presse, Montreal, 197p.
xxx
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Émilie Martel, Physiotherapist NDG and PLT
emilie.martel@cliniquealtermed.com