Title: Fitness Inspirations from My Mama
At The Greatist, we're all about taking a break and enjoying life. Instead of our usual programming on Saturdays, our writers get to share their thoughts on living a fulfilling life, like this fantastic piece you're about to read.
My appreciation for the human body comes from my amazing mom, a physical therapist. She's been talking about the body's intricate mechanics since before I could remember, which I'm grateful for. Whenever I'm feeling a twinge or ache, I turn to Mom, the best doctor around! So, this Mother's Day, I want to share some fitness lessons I've learned from my mom:
- Laser tag isn't a serious sport: Contrary to what some might believe, Barney Stinson and I aren't alone in considering laser tag a competitive activity— until my broken ankle proved us wrong.
- Rest is essential: I might have thought I could push through the pain following my ankle injury, but my mom demonstrated the importance of taking a step back to heal properly. Her guidance helped me learn to rest and exercise safely while using my ankle brace.
- The human body is a marvel: If you've ever been to the Bodies Exhibition, you know just how incredible the human body is. But having a knowledgeable tour guide, like my mom, makes the experience that much more awe-inspiring.
- We all have our quirks: Remember when parents came to visit our elementary school classes to share about their jobs? My mom, dressed in a skeleton suit, showed us how the body moves. I wish I'd had a camera back then!
- Balance and variety are crucial: Achieving wellness and fitness involves a mix of flexibility, cardio, and strength training. All three aspects are equally important.
Insights from Enrichment Data:
- Emphasis on Core Strength: Physical therapists, especially those who work with postpartum women, often emphasize the importance of core strength. A good physical therapist would stress the benefits of exercises that focus on building that strength.
- Holistic Approach: Integrating health coaching into physical therapy practice is a valuable approach to wellness. Addressing lifestyle habits and personal goals, in addition to physical therapy, elevates the overall treatment plan.
- Client-Centered Care: A physical therapist's aim should be to provide personalized and patient-centered care. Recognizing that every individual has unique needs and goals is essential for creating effective treatment plans.
- Work-Life Balance: Balancing work and personal life is crucial for maintaining energy and preventing burnout, especially for busy working moms like physical therapists. Setting boundaries and prioritizing self-care are essential.
- Safe and Effective Workouts: A physical therapist mother would encourage safe and effective workouts, especially during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Proper guidance and precautions are necessary to minimize injury and maximize benefits.
- After my mom's encouragement, I decided to join a new fitness class focusing on core strength, which has greatly improved my overall fitness and posture.
- As a parent, I'm making an effort to instill the importance of fitness and a healthy lifestyle in my child, starting with regular family workouts and promoting the idea of new, fun physical activities to try together.
