Carry Out Fitness Resolutions Safely

If you’re like many New Yorkers, you may have made a resolution to get in shape in the New Year. At NY Foot Health, we applaud this initiative and want to pass on a few tips to help you maximize your new fitness program and minimize your risk of foot and ankle injuries in the process.

Choose the Right Program for You—it may sound obvious, but if you enjoy an activity, you’re more likely to do it! Consider your exercise goals. Are you interested in losing weight, building muscle, improving balance, increasing stamina? Do you want a fitness activity you can do indoors or outdoors? Are you willing to invest in equipment? Pick a fitness plan that meets your preferences.

Slow and Steady is Best—once you’ve decided on an activity, choose, or create a workout regimen that gradually increases in intensity and duration. Many people have been extra sedentary during the pandemic. Doing too much too quickly is one of the significant causes of foot and ankle injuries.

Get the Right Shoes—sports shoes are designed specifically for the type of movement different activities require. If you are new to a sport, consult an athletic footwear store to learn about footwear choices. If you have any chronic foot problems such as heel pain or bunions, consult your podiatrist for shoe recommendations. Don’t have a foot doctor currently? Use our online directory to find a podiatrist near you. Get professionally measured and take your time trying on shoes to ensure a comfortable fit.

Schedule Fitness Time—pencil in fitness dates on your calendar weekly. You’re more apt to stick with your plan if you have set aside a specific time to do your workouts. Aim for 120 minutes weekly and allow rest periods between workouts.

Phone a Friend—for added motivation and accountability, find a fitness buddy. Even if you can’t exercise together, you can facetime during workouts and keep each other updated on goals and milestones achieved.

Exercise is an essential component of foot and overall health. To learn more about taking care of your feet, contact us, and subscribe to our free e-newsletter.