We’re halfway through the year, and whether your goal was to run a 5K, hit the gym three times a week, or simply move more during the workday, it is the perfect time for a fitness check-in! Lorenzo Salcedo, Supervisor and Exercise Physiologist at the Center for Health and Wellness at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center is here to help you reset, recommit, or rethink your fitness goals.
Fitness is preventative care in motion. Regular exercise reduces your risk of heart disease, diabetes, certain cancers, and even depression. Just 150 minutes of moderate activity per week can make a big difference. But if your goals have slipped off track, don’t worry. You’re not starting over; you’re starting from experience.
Here are some suggestions on how to get moving again!
- Reset Your Routine
Haven’t been as active as you hoped? Try something new. Outdoor walks, bodyweight circuits, or fitness classes at a local community center are great ways to ease back in. A new season can bring new motivation.
- Recommit to a Realistic Goal
Maybe your original resolution was too ambitious or not specific enough. Now is the time to set smart, manageable goals. Instead of “exercise more” try “walk 20 minutes every weekday” or “join a beginner strength class.”
- Rethink What Counts as Exercise – Have Fun
Movement doesn’t have to mean a gym session, instead make it fun. Gardening, cleaning, biking with your kids, or dancing at an event, all contribute to better health. The more fun you have the more you will look forward to exercising and the better chances you’ll stick with it. What matters most is consistency and enjoyment.
Keep in mind. Before starting or restarting a fitness plan, especially if you’ve had any health challenges or changes, it is important to check-in with your doctor. Our primary care providers and physical therapists at Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center can help you safely build a routine that works for your body and your goals.
Let’s make the second half of your year, the strongest.
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For a referral to a Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center physician, please visit our online physician directory or call 888-724-7123. To learn more about Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center Rehabilitation centers, or to schedule an appointment, please call 973-322-7500.
If your goal is to complete a 5K in 2025, check out this opportunity: RWJBarnabas Health Running with the Devils 5K Run & Walk 2025.