It’s that time of year again. We’re resolving to eat better. Lose weight. Get fit. All the things. Guess what else happens this time of year?
People get hurt. They start exercise programs zealously, with all the best intentions, and end up in a doctor’s office.
Dr. Karyn Staples, PT, PhD, NCPT, owner of ProHealth Physical Therapy and Pilates Studio in Peachtree City, knows what’s coming. She sees it every year.
One in eight new physical therapy patients who come to ProHealth in January is there as a result of starting an exercise activity too aggressively.
She’s quick to applaud a commitment to fitness.
“Staying active is the number one predictor of longevity,” she says. “If we stop moving, then we stop living.”
But if you haven’t been active for some time, she advises, don’t expect to be able to do everything you did before you stopped being active.
“The best way to begin or return to an exercise routine,” Karyn says, “is with realistic goals.”
Karyn recommends finding something you can fit into your schedule and making an appointment with yourself for this activity.
“Start with one thing to add to your routine regularly,” Karyn says. “After two weeks of consistency with that addition, then add in another element.”
For instance, start walking 20 minutes five days per week. After two weeks, spend 10 minutes doing simple strength movements at the end of the walk.
Karyn also recommends Pilates as a foundational exercise.
“It makes any other activity better,” she says.
Karyn leads a staff of more than a dozen physical therapists and Pilates teachers in providing safe, effective research-based therapies and exercise.
“Movement shouldn’t hurt,” Karyn says. “At ProHealth, we get people to a place where they can move with balance and strength.”
Pilates clients at ProHealth use special equipment which provides support while they build core strength, balance, and posture.
“We work on the muscles that support the skeleton,” Karyn says. “Smaller muscle groups are activated before focusing on larger muscle groups.”
If Pilates exercise is something you would like to explore, private lessons and classes are available throughout the week at ProHealth and an introductory special which includes two private sessions and three group classes can help you get started. Call 770-487-1931 for more information or visit their website.
About Pilates
The Pilates Method is not just exercise. It is a series of controlled movements designed to develop strength, increase flexibility, and lengthen muscles while achieving total body awareness. At ProHealth Physical Therapy and Pilates Studio, it is a customized workout, utilizing Pilates equipment and mat work, which provides you with the stretching and breathing benefits of yoga and the strengthening benefits of weight training.
About ProHealth Physical Therapy and Pilates Studio
ProHealth Physical Therapy and Pilates Studio was founded in 2005 by Dr. Karyn Staples, PT, PhD, NCPT.
ProHealth is located at 1777 Georgian Park in Peachtree City. City. For an appointment for physical therapy, call 770-487-1931.
