Baby Steps to a Healthy You

Baby steps…that’s what we took as babies.  We weren’t born walking.  We held up our heads, then we sat, next we crawled, we started pulling ourselves to standing, then those first steps came, and eventually we were running everywhere!  This is how it is with much of life.  We have to take baby steps, gradually moving from one stage of development to the next.  Our health is no different.  If we have not taken the proper steps to maintain our health from an early age, then we must take baby steps to get our health to where it needs to be.

These baby steps will be different for each person.  Perhaps you were very active when you were younger, but life just kind of took over as it has a way of doing, and exercise was lost along the way.  Perhaps you were never particularly active, but you had good energy and were able to do the fun things you enjoyed doing.  Or, perhaps, you were never active at all and exercise or even fun active pastimes were never a part of your life.  We all take different journeys.  We usually all have good intentions too.  We see those good intentions every year on New Year’s Eve when people make those resolutions to get healthy, eat better, or go to the gym three times a week.

Ultimately, getting healthy through exercise is a choice we each must make.  There is no replacement for good eating habits and exercise.  Even the weight loss surgeries that are available don’t completely replace good eating and workouts.  Those must be a part of the regimen in order for the surgery to be effective.  There really is no magic pill, drink, or surgery.  We each must choose to take care of the one and only body we are given at birth.

So, how do you go about this if it has been a long time since you exercised regularly or if you have never exercised?  Baby steps!  We want you to get healthy in a smart way, not a dangerous way.  We don’t want someone who has never exercised to attempt a two-mile run!  We don’t want someone with back and knee pain from obesity to do exercises that put undue strain on their joints and muscles.  That is why we suggest baby steps.

First and foremost, you have to move.  Sitting still will get you nowhere, literally and healthwise.  If you are new to exercising, walking is the best first step you can take (no pun intended!).  There are lovely Brevard County parks in our area with ponds and walking paths.  Walking doesn’t have to be boring.  Bring your iPod.  Listen to music that puts you in a good mood.  You will be surprised to realize you are picking up the pace to the beat of the music!  Or, listen to a good book or podcast.  It’s hard to find time for leisurely activities like reading in our busy lives.  This is a great way to feel like you are treating yourself while actually doing something good for your health!

Of course, there are many gyms in our area. You can join a gym and get a personal trainer there to help you on your journey if you feel you need a little guidance, especially if you are new to working out.  They also have fun classes that make working out feel like less of a chore. BUT, you do NOT have to join a gym to exercise.  It is simply one tool available to you.

Be sure to incorporate slow, steady stretching in your workout routine.  Those muscles and ligaments haven’t been used a lot and they love to stretch.  It feels good and you will gain flexibility faster than you expect.  Exercises like yoga and pilates are also helpful.  They help with balance and flexibility.  Switch it up so you don’t get bored.  Before you know it, you will have greater endurance, more flexibility, and weight loss.  In other words, you will have taken the baby steps necessary to reclaim your health!

At Advanced Surgical and Weight Loss Institute, we want you to have all the benefits that a healthy lifestyle provides. Dr. Diego Velarde loves serving the people in the Melbourne, FL and Merritt Island areas.  If you are looking for a weight loss program or are interested in the variety of weight loss surgeries such as gastric bypass or lap band, please give him a call today.  He would love to help you through the process of reclaiming your health!