Mahaska Health Partnership Encourages Exercise Routines
Mahaska Health Partnership
MAHASKA COUNTY – Exercise is an important part of living a healthy, well-balanced life. However, it can be difficult to make it a priority. MHP Community Wellness Coordinator Ann Smith offers tips on how to make the most of your daily schedule and reap the benefits of exercise at the same time.
When it comes to exercise, routine is key. “Make sure you carve out time for exercise in your day-to-day activities,” Smith encouraged. “Whether it’s allotting a set amount of time to go to the gym, taking a walk or just getting up and moving from your desk at work, it’s important to keep a schedule and stay active.”
For many people, it can be a struggle to find time to dedicate to exercise, so Smith suggests altering your current activities to incorporate movement. “Something as simple as taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking further away from an entrance or doing some household chores that get you off the couch can make a difference. I know sometimes after a long day it’s hard to find the motivation to go to the gym, so adding some steps into the activities you’re already doing can really help.”
If you’re looking for a more structured routine, Smith suggests joining a class or trying a new sport. “Join a basketball or volleyball league with friends to make exercise fun! If you enjoy cycling, find a spin class. Try a new exercise course with a friend or start your own yoga group. Whatever you choose, make it something you enjoy so it doesn’t feel like a chore, but something you look forward to instead.”
Another important aspect of developing a successful workout routine is setting goals. “If you need motivation, come up with long and short-term goals for yourself,” Smith suggested. “For instance, if you want to run a 5K someday, start out by setting a goal to run for 5 minutes without stopping and work your way up in time, distance and intensity. By giving yourself smaller steps in-between, it makes your bigger goals easier to reach!”
For the best results, Smith suggests scheduling time when you have the most energy to do a workout. “If you’re exhausted after a long day at work, don’t plan a gym trip right afterwards or you’ll find yourself skipping out for relaxation instead. Grab a buddy for some extra motivation and most of all, have some patience! You won’t see results overnight, but the sooner you get into a routine, the sooner you will start to have more energy and feel better about making time to care for yourself!”
Mahaska Health Partnership Community Wellness Coordinator Ann Smith coordinates community outreach programs to help people make healthy choices and stay well. She has a Bachelor’s of Science in Health Science with an emphasis in Health, Wellness and Nutrition. She is also certified in Holistic Nutrition. For more information about wellness in Mahaska County, contact Smith at 641.672.3106.
Mahaska Health Partnership, located in Oskaloosa, is a non-profit health system accredited by the Joint Commission. It is guided by its mission to provide exceptional customer service and health improvement, linking the science of medicine with the humanity of compassionate care. For more information about how Mahaska Health Partnership is making healthcare personal, visit mahaskahealth.org.
