by Dr. Ira Shapiro
Director of the Plaza Chiropractic Center
Old Bridge, New Jersey
Over the next few months, the weather will start to warm, the days will lengthen, and it’ll
be time to escape the confines of your warm, cozy homes to engage in any number of
favorite outdoor activities.
However, don’t get too excited too soon. Jumping in too quickly after months spent on
the couch is a recipe for a spring and summer filled with sprains, strains, and numerous
other joint and muscular injuries. Even people who work out regularly can feel the
difference after just a short time off. For instance, ardent runners often complain of
breathing heavier after a brief break, while a full year off can lead to a 15 percent
decline in cardio fitness.
So, be prepared to start slow if you’ve taken some time from the gym. Life happens.
This is true whether you’ve had a bout of laziness during the cold, wintry months, were
laid up due to illness or injury, or just simply didn’t have the time in an extremely busy
schedule. There are only two overriding rules to fitness and competition. Don’t give up
and always be smart. Everyone gets knocked off course at one time or another.
First, if possible don’t stop working out completely unless it’s recommended by a
certified medical professional. There are always alternatives. If you don’t have time to
run your usual three miles a day, walk a mile at lunchtime. Consider stationary bikes,
treadmills, and rowing machines when the weather gets bad. The key is finding
something you like and doing as much as you can when you can. It’ll then be that much
easier to get back into your regular routine when the situation and/or the climate warms
up.
Next, stop beating yourself up. Every athlete, no matter the level or sport, suffers a
rough patch. Feeling bad, eating more, and doing less won’t help. People who’ve been
out of it for a while might even try attending a WeightWatchers meeting for a truly
uplifting experience. Virtually every meeting has at least one person who lost 75 to 100
lbs. and will be happy to tell how they did it if asked. And we’re not talking about
athletes or die-hard gym rats. These are average people, sometimes even senior
citizens, who had the courage to face reality, develop a plan, and then stick with it even
after numerous failures. Seriously, give it a try. Listen to the stories. This experience
alone can be inspirational.
Equally important — don’t be afraid. After many months or years of inactivity, many
people fear getting started. They feel exposed in a gym as though everyone is staring or
watching what they’re doing. They fear being injured or that they’re no long up to the
task. Or, they just don’t want to face the reality that they are no longer who they were.
This is a horrible place to be stuck. But, it doesn’t have to be permanent. There are so
many ways to lift yourself up. Professional help is available. Reach out. Listen. Form a
plan. And then get started. You’re stronger than you think. The first step is the hardest.
Given time, the rest will just come with habit.
For more information on creating better, fitter and healthier lives for the entire family
please contact the Plaza Chiropractic Center at 732-723- 0023 or visit
www.plazachiro.com. Our trained staff will be happy to work with you, no matter your
age or condition, to develop a safe and effective wellness program that complements
your life style and offers long-lasting fitness rewards.
Dr. Ira A. Shapiro is the director of the Plaza Chiropractic Center, which he founded in Old
Bridge, New Jersey in 1984. A two-time member of the U.S. Olympic Team Medical Staff, Dr. Shapiro recently became only the 11th chiropractor inducted into the American Chiropractic Association (ACA) Sports Council Hall of Fame.
