Exercise Essentials Try these movements to help strengthen your core.
Patient Spotlight
FRONT PLANK FOREARMS & FEET Lie on your stomach with elbows bent. Your legs should be straight out behind you with your feet together. Raise up on your forearms and toes. Create a nice straight line with your body from your head to your heels. Concentrate on tucking your pelvis to engage your abs, squeezing your glutes and quads to keep your legs straight, and squeezing your legs together as you hold. Hold for 20 seconds and repeat 3 times.
BIRD DOG 4-POINT ARM & LEG RAISE Begin by placing your knees and hands on the floor, with your hips and shoulders at a 90° angle. While keeping stable and engaging your core muscles, lift one arm and an opposite leg straight out toward the horizon, with your thumb pointed to the ceiling. Place both arm and leg back down to starting position. Perform 10 repetitions and then repeat this exercise with the opposite arm and leg. To build stability, this exercise can first be performed using only the arm or leg, and the opposing arm or leg can be added once ready for progression.
FITNESS: Pets need regular activity and, if a dog becomes your pet of choice, you’ll also be signing up for brisk daily walks to help your furry friend keep in shape. In turn, you’ll also feel the benefit of regular, low-impact exercise. According to a recent survey, 36 percent of pet owners said that having a pet has helped them lose weight. Who needs a personal trainer? SOCIAL: Believe it or not, having an animal can even have an impact on your social life… in a good way. Walking the dog around the local park or taking it to obedience lessons are just two settings where you’ll have the opportunity to meet new faces and interact with people you might not otherwise have come into contact with. And don’t be surprised if you’re stopped by strangers in the street who are eager to pat your furry friend and find out more about her. CHILDHOOD LEARNING & RESPONSIBILITY: Having a pet in the home is a great way for children to learn valuable life lessons in a fun, rewarding way. From the daily responsibility of feeding, exercising and caring for the animal to understanding more about illness and loss, it can equip your children (or grandchildren) with the emotions to cope better with important life events as they grow up. COMPANIONSHIP: The sheer presence of a pet in the home can boost your mood, especially after a hectic day at the office or even following a difficult conversation. The stresses of life can melt away “I now feel stronger than ever.” “My experience at physical therapy was spectacular. There was never a time I dreaded coming to therapy. Kimmakes my time at therapy enjoyable and very productive at the same time. She is more than just your typical therapist, she is also a friend. In my time here, I progressed more than I could imagine. Right after my surgery, I felt as if sports would never be the same. Fast forward 4 1 /2 months, I now feel stronger than ever and I’m chomping at the bit to be able to test out my updated version of my leg. Thanks a ton Kim and I hope I don’t see you here again!” -Ross A.
as soon as you walk through the front door and see your beloved pet, desperate for your affection. Said animal will also be your go-to companion of choice to watch a movie with or cuddle up to read a book with on a cold winter’s day. What’s better than a furry hot water bottle who listens to every word you say and doesn’t answer back? MENTAL HEALTH: Not only do pets provide companionship and help improve your physical health, they can also provide therapeutic and emotional benefits. According to Ingrid Collins, a consultant psychologist at the London Medical Centre, “A pet is better than Prozac. Animals have a completely different agenda to humans, and bring things back to basics. They want comfort, feeding and love. In return, they give huge affection.” THE HEALTH BENEFITS OF PET OWNERSHIP
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