Start with why, not what, when choosing how to move, exercise, and stay healthier
Andrew Engelbach-Schafer, PT, DPT
In the current climate of rising healthcare costs and decreasing time with providers, maintaining a healthy body and minimizing injury risk have become increasingly important. The question often arises what are some ways in which one can move more and keep themselves healthier for longer.
However, it is best to first identify why you want to be healthier. Think about the experiences you want to have and the people you want to enjoy them with, because that purpose can help guide a lasting lifestyle change. Without a deeper purpose, attempts to improve your health can feel hollow. Motivation is a great starting point, but it can fade when the work becomes difficult.
Without your why, the how and the what matter less. Your purpose might be playing a sport, walking with friends, playing with grandchildren, caring for your pet, or taking part in the hobbies and activities that bring you joy. Once you identify those activities, you can begin to ask what physical abilities your body needs to participate fully, safely, and confidently, from transportation and preparation to performance and injury prevention.
It can be thought of in a simple way, if you want to do X and to do this your body needs to be able to do Y, then you treat your exercise or movement practice as a bank account/savings account/ 401k that you can withdraw from to complete your desired activity. The input into this bank account is directly related to what you need to complete your activity or hobby.
For example, you want to be able to go for a walk at the park with your friend, then you need to ensure that you maintain strong legs to be able to get up and down (from benches, car seats, etc.), balance as walking requires you to be on one leg, and the ability to negotiate a potentially busy environment. It will be important to identify what specifically it means to be strong (what muscles, how much load, moving at what speed) and high functioning as we all have natural depreciation with age. Those specific things then become the foundation for your exercise program.
With consistent exercise deposits into your movement account, you will be able to complete the activities and hobbies that bring you joy with less effort for a long time. Just like if you want to enjoy products and experiences (like travel), you need to save money in order to eventually spend; the same can be said for your physical health and ability to move. The important thing is to identify your purpose for saving in the first place and realize that there are no shortcuts to maintaining health. Getting stronger, your physical effort is the input, and the output is the joy of being fully engaged in your life.
If you need guidance on getting started with investment in your health, then our skilled therapists at GreenField Health & Rehabilitation Center would love to guide you. The mission of The GreenFields is “to provide for the physical, social, and spiritual needs of those served in a Christian environment, honoring the dignity and worth of each individual and encouraging them to retain or regain the highest level of independence possible.” Our therapists believe in this mission and find joy working with people to keep them strong and active in our community.
Health care is more than treatment when you’re sick or injured; it’s ensuring that you maintain the capacity to have a purpose filled and enriched life.
Cheers,
Andrew Engelbach-Schafer, PT, DPT
Outpatient Coordinator
GreenField Health & Rehabilitation Center
