SPONSORED FEATURE
It’s January and there’s a good chance you are thinking about taking better care of yourself this year. Many Americans make New Year’s resolutions, most of which are health-related. Whether you’re setting goals for weight, exercise, sleep, stress reduction, or another wellness metric, Dr. Karyn Staples offers some tips and a video series of mobility exercises that can warm up your resolutions.
“Movement is really the best medicine,” Dr. Staples says. “Staying active is the number one predictor of longevity.”
Dr. Staples, PT, PhD, NCPT, and owner of ProHealth Physical Therapy and Pilates Studio in Peachtree City, loves to see people commit to improving their fitness but warns that starting too aggressively is a recipe for injury. Every year, one in eight new patients at ProHealth arrives as a result of an overzealous approach to exercise.
“The best way to begin or return to a fitness routine is with realistic goals,” Karyn says. “Start with one thing, like a 20-minute walk five days a week, and after a few weeks, add another simple element.”
Dr. Staples also recommends a good warmup before a walk or run or gym routine. A lowered risk of injury is one of the many benefits of warming up before exercising. Mobility exercises using an elastic band are a great way to stretch before exercising or just to get ready for the day.
In a video playlist of 10 exercises, Dr. Staples demonstrates how to use an elastic band to warm up. These exercises are great before or after an exercise or athletic activity or at any time of the day.
“I have one client who keeps an exercise band at the desk in her home office,” Dr. Staples said. “It’s a good way to counteract long periods of sitting.”
Karyn also recommends Pilates as a foundational exercise and leads a staff of more than a dozen physical therapists and Pilates teachers in providing safe, effective, research-based therapies and exercise. Pilates clients at ProHealth use special equipment that provides support while they build core strength, balance, and posture.
If Pilates exercise is something you would like to explore, private lessons and classes are available throughout the week at ProHealth. 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.
