How can physical therapy help me improve my overall fitness?

Are you trying to shed some pandemic pounds? Or are you looking for ways to improve your overall fitness level? Regardless of what you’re looking for when it comes to your overall fitness, physical therapy can help get you in tiptop shape. 

Exercises you should do daily

Physical therapists are experts in movement and the human musculoskeletal system. Here are some moves you can do at home to help improve your overall fitness, according to physical therapy experts:

• Squats — Everyone should squat their age daily. Performing squats is one of the most effective exercises in helping improve your fitness. Squats, when done correctly, work your quads, hamstrings, glutes, calves, hip abductors and abdominals. 
• Planks — If you’re looking for a whole-body move, planks are it. Start by holding the plank as long as you can in the proper position, and slowly increase how long you can hold it. The goal is to hold the plank for 30 seconds to one minute, three to five times a day.
• Jumping jacks — Jump for joy! Jumping jacks, while not everyone’s favorite, are a fantastic way to increase your overall fitness. Jumping jacks allow you to pack in some cardio while working your glutes, quads and hip flexors. You’re also stretching your shoulders as you lift your arms. 
• Pushups — Looking to increase your upper body strength? Then try pushups. This exercise works to tone your triceps, pectoral muscles, abs and shoulders. If you’re new to pushups, consider starting on your knees to make sure you’re using the proper formation.
• Bridges — Remember when you turned your whole body into a bridge as a kid? Same concept, but this time you know that it’s working multiple leg muscles to improve your overall fitness level. 

Physical therapy can improve your overall fitness

If you’re experiencing any discomfort when performing exercises or if you want to just have a check-in on your physical performance, consider physical therapy to improve your fitness. At Peak Performance Sports and Physical Therapy, our physical therapists will perform a thorough evaluation of how your body moves and make recommendations on how to improve your performance, reduce your risk for injury or exercise-related pain, and help make sure your body is moving properly. 

Contact us today for more information or to schedule an initial appointment.