Take a look at our newsletter this month.
JANUARY 2021
39 PORTER ROAD, SUITE 1, TOWER CITY, PA 17980
WWW.SNYDERPHYSICALTHERAPY.COM
717-523-2502
SET YOURSELF UP FOR A HEALTHY, PRODUCTIVE, AND FUN 2021 MY TIPS FOR MAKING SMART FITNESS RESOLUTIONS
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: New Year’s resolutions. Personally, I’m a big fan of New Year’s goals, but they seem to come under fire every year. Just last January, I saw an article in Forbes called “Why New Year's Resolutions Don’t Work (And What You Can Do Instead!).” Come on, really? Maybe you’ve given up on New Year’s resolutions entirely, but I don’t think we should throw the concept out the window just yet. Over the years, I’ve noticed myself and my patients hitting the same few snags when trying to achieve our fitness resolutions: We get bored, we get frustrated, or we get injured. Those paths can lead to giving up, but there are ways to avoid them. If you’re like me and want to set goals this year, try these tips to keep yourself motivated and make your resolutions stick. 1. EASE YOURSELF INTO YOUR NEW ROUTINE. All too often, people go from not really doing anything active to throwing themselves into a bunch of challenging workout routines on Jan. 1. I’m all for being gung-ho, but without preparation, this all-or-nothing approach can cause a lot of aches, pains, and overuse injuries. Some people can get away with jumping right into hard workouts (see Tip No. 4 for more on that), but to avoid injury, most of us need to ease into new exercises. That leads me to Tip No. 2 ... 2. TAKE BABY STEPS AND CELEBRATE THEM. Rome wasn’t built in a day, and marathon training isn’t finished in a day, either. If you want to see results, you need to start small and be consistent. Plan out the baby steps you need to take to reach your goal and try making progress every day. This will help you succeed, and the small victories will keep you motivated. For example, If you’re walking, walk a little bit farther, faster, or longer each day. If you’re lifting weights or doing strength training or bodyweight exercises, try to increase your reps or lift a bit more each time. 3. MAKE THE PROCESS FUN! If you get bored with your workouts easily or find yourself dreading them, this is your solution. Instead of doing
a workout you think you should — because you saw it in a fitness magazine — choose activities and exercises that you really enjoy. Your ideal workout might be hiking outdoors, signing up for a dance class, or running with a friend. Whatever it is, I’d encourage you to pursue it, even if you have to adjust your resolutions to do so. You’ll stay active, and your body will thank you! 4. HAVE A PLAN TO AVOID INJURIES. As I said in Tip No. 1, easing yourself into your new workout routine is important, but it’s also smart to visit a physical therapist before you jump into your workout. The amount of stress your body can handle depends on your age, genetics, and previous fitness level. My team and I can help identify any problem spots you might have and let you know if you’re at risk for injury. We can also be your backup plan if you do get hurt and help you get back on your feet so you can keep going with your goals instead of giving up. All in all, I don’t think resolutions are as tough as they’re cracked up to be. If you start slow, stay consistent, and have fun with the process, I know you can crush your goals this year! If you’d like more help and advice, just let me know. You can reach me at 717-523-2502 or request an appointment online at SnyderPhysicalTherapy.com.
–Brandon Snyder
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WE NEED TO TALK ABOUT YOUR PELVIC FLOOR HEALTH
It can be awkward to talk about, but pelvic floor health can have a significant impact on your lifestyle and happiness. For many, the pelvic floor is a source of pain and incontinence, but it doesn’t have to be that way! Your pelvic floor is just like any other body part; with proper strength, it can function normally and pain-free. The pelvic floor consists of the pelvis and the muscles and organs that protect it and are housed within it. It functions with the urinary, reproductive, digestive, and
musculoskeletal systems, so any time you eat, use the restroom, or simply sit or walk, your pelvic floor is working. But when it’s not working properly, many patients — primarily women, but men can struggle with pelvic floor health, too — experience pain during bathroom visits and sex (or an inability to do either), pain in the lower back, digestive issues, and leaking. This can happen for a variety of reasons. For women, pelvic floor weakness or prolapse is often the result of labor, but age, traumatic injury, and genetics can also affect your pelvic floor. Though pelvic floor issues are relatively common, patients may be embarrassed by the associated symptoms, and as a result, many avoid seeking treatment. The good news is that strengthening the pelvic floor often involves simple exercises and stretches, like glute
bridges, squats, and cat/cow pose. While improving your pelvic floor health, try to avoid doing other exercises that can strain it, such as running or heavy lifting. (As your pelvic floor gets stronger, you can slowly add these exercises back into your routine.) Consulting with a physical therapist and developing a regimen to improve or maintain your pelvic floor health is a great way to treat or prevent pelvic floor weakness. The best part? As your pelvic floor health improves, other components of your life will too. You’ll see improvement with your digestion, you’ll never have to worry about sneezing or coughing too vigorously, and your personal relationships can improve. It’s worth having a discussion with a professional. Contact your physical therapy team today to learn more about how to improve your pelvic floor health, and, ultimately, get your life back.
THESE CELEBRITIES ARE SOBER BY CHOICE
AND HERE’S HOW YOU CAN BE, TOO!
Making a conscious decision to live a sober lifestyle can be powerful. For some, it’s a necessity spurred on by addiction, while others choose to stay sober for their health. Alcohol has been linked to skin damage, cognition issues, high blood pressure, sleep dysfunction, and weight gain. So, if you’re considering making Dry January more of a year-round habit, get started with these three steps. Step 1: Consider your motivations. In 2019, Anne Hathaway announced she was giving up drinking for her son. She wanted to add more value to the mornings she got to spend with him instead of nursing a hangover. Finding a reason to stop drinking can make you more motivated to stick with it. In moments when you want to drink, write down your motivations and really dig into them. Why do you want to give
up drinking? Why do you want better skin or fewer hangovers? Why do you want more time with your family? These reminders can help you keep going! Step 2: Don’t quit cold turkey. Jennifer Lopez isn’t one to toast with water. The pop star is often seen taking a sip of alcohol after “raising a glass,” but that’s as far as she goes! J-Lo reportedly doesn’t like the adverse effects alcohol can have on the skin. According to researchers at Harvard Medical School, moderation might be better for your overall goal than quitting altogether. One study found that when drinking was so ingrained in patients’ daily lives, they found better success weaning off over time or practicing moderation. By creating your own plan to lessen your alcohol intake, you can improve your relationship with alcohol and better strive for your sobriety.
Step 3: Celebrate with a mocktail! Alcohol does not equate with fun! Just look at Kate Moss, who often abstains from drinking and has been known to have just as much fun — if not more! — while sober. Moss has even mentioned that she orders mocktails.
Why not have all the fun of cocktails without
the adverse effects? The best way to enjoy the moments traditionally filled with alcohol is to find a new way to appreciate them. Find a new hobby or make a fun, alcohol-free drink for your celebrations. There are plenty of ways to partake in these moments while staying sober!
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SOUP’S ON! PERFECT YOUR SOUP RECIPE WITH THESE 3 TIPS
Soup is perfect for sick days and alongside grilled cheese, and Grandma always seemed to have a recipe to make everything better. For as simple and comforting as soup can be, re-creating those memories from your stovetop includes a few tedious steps. Become a soup master with this go-to guide to winter’s favorite dish. Mind your peas and carrots. The magic of a hearty minestrone or old-fashioned chicken noodle soup comes from the flavors of vegetables to create the perfect blend of comfort and taste. However, overcooking or undercooking vegetables can ruin this delicate balance. So, consider the vegetables you want in your soup and plan accordingly. Start by chopping vegetables into bite-size pieces that will easily fit on a spoon. No one wants a spoonful of soup that’s just carrots after all! Then,
add vegetables to your soup based on cooking time and flavoring. Carrots, onions, and celery should “sweat” in the pot with oil and seasoning before you add the broth to capture the fullest flavor of these ingredients. Potatoes
and/or pasta can become mushy and underwhelming.
Season gradually — but generously. No one enjoys a bland soup, but too much seasoning can overpower the natural flavors of your ingredients. Add your
and other root vegetables can be added in the
seasoning to vegetables as they sauté in the pot
boiling phase,
before adding the stock. Then, add the stock and the
while leafy greens only need minutes in the pot toward the end to capture their full flavor.
remainder of your ingredients. Only add more
seasoning as the soup simmers and do a taste test. Add a bit of
salt and pepper until it’s perfect! If you over-salt, don’t panic. Adding more stock, potatoes, noodles, or cream can fix your soup in a pinch. Bonus Tip: Always serve your soup with bread, toast, or crackers. It’s the perfect vehicle to soak up all the flavors!
Simmer to blend flavors. Simmering is the key to a great soup. Once all your ingredients are in the pot, reduce the heat to a low simmer. This allows the flavors to play together without overcooking. If a soup is boiled for too long, the vegetables, meats,
EASY ONE-POT LENTIL SOUP
TAKE A BREAK!
Inspired by MinimalistBaker.com
INGREDIENTS
DIRECTIONS
• 2 tbsp coconut oil • 2 cloves garlic, minced • 2 shallots, diced
1. In a large pot, heat oil over medium heat and sauté garlic, shallots, carrots, and celery for 4–5 minutes, adding salt and pepper to taste. 2. Add potatoes to pot, along with more salt and pepper. Sauté for 2 minutes. 3. Add vegetable broth and herbs, then bring soup to a simmer. 4. Add lentils, stirring until soup returns to a simmer. Then, turn the heat to low and cook soup uncovered for 15–20 minutes. 5. Finally, add kale and additional salt and pepper as needed. Cook for 3–4 minutes, thin soup with additional vegetable broth as needed, and serve!
• 4 large carrots, sliced thin • 4 stalks celery, sliced thin • Sea salt, to taste • Black pepper, to taste • 3 cups red potatoes, cubed • 4 cups vegetable broth • 2–3 sprigs fresh rosemary or thyme, chopped • 1 cup uncooked green lentils, rinsed and drained • 2 cups chopped kale
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
39 PORTER ROAD, SUITE 1 TOWER CITY, PA 17980
WWW.SNYDERPHYSICALTHERAPY.COM
717-523-2502
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1.
HOW TO SET YOURSELF UP FOR A HEALTHY, PRODUCTIVE, AND FUN 2021
2. DON’T SHY AWAY FROM TALKING ABOUT YOUR PELVIC FLOOR 3 STEPS TO A SOBER LIFESTYLE 3. 3 STEPS TO PERFECT, COMFORTING SOUP EASY ONE-POT LENTIL SOUP 4. MAKE RESOLUTIONS EASIER WITH FITNESS CHALLENGES
ARE YOU UP FOR A CHALLENGE? FOCUS ON FITNESS FOR 30 DAYS
Everyone’s done it. We’ve rung in the new year on the promise that this is our year to get healthy. We’re going to finally lose the weight, eat healthier, and feel better than ever. Sadly, many of us fail at this endeavor every single year . Let’s make 2021 different! Work toward your wellness goals by trying monthly challenges. These challenges allow you to focus on one area of your wellness each month, which will ultimately ensure you create sustainable habits. Here are three challenges to get you started!
regularly hitting a number that is at least 5,000 steps beyond your baseline! (If you don’t have an Apple Watch, Fitbit, or other fitness tracking device, find an old- fashioned pedometer and get to work!)
February: Drink Up
March: Bulk Up
Tracking your water intake and challenging yourself to drink more can help you feel more energized and make progress on your other goals. Start by calculating how much water you need to consume. Experts suggest taking your body weight, dividing it by two, and drinking that many ounces of water each day. (For example, a person who weighs 150 pounds should drink 75 ounces of water.) Can you drink that much water each day for 30 days? If not, drink more each day throughout the month until you reach your goal. Give it a shot. We guarantee you’ll have more energy!
Choose one area of your body to focus on this month. Want to improve your arm strength? Work your way up from five to 50 pushups throughout the month. Follow the same formula with squats if you want to focus on your legs. Or, try planking to strengthen your core. Start the month by holding the plank for 30 seconds and work your way up to 2–3 minutes! As you progress in each challenge, you’ll notice significant improvement. For the best results, rest whatever area of your body you’re focusing on during your regular exercise routine. (That’s how muscle grows!)
January: Step Up
Getting extra steps in during the day is the quickest way to introduce more activity into your life. Start easy and just track your regular steps for one week. Then, set a goal to get 1,000 more steps than that in the following week and build from there. Keep going until you’re
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