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Thinking about starting an exercise program to lose a few extra pounds? Or just to get in shape to look good?

No matter what your reasons are to start exercising, your chiropractor wants to ensure you do it safely and successfully.

Here are the steps that can help you achieve your exercise objectives:

1. Set a Goal That Is Specific.

Whatever your vision is for your future, make sure it is clearly defined. Goals that are defined, time-specific and measurable are more likely to be attained. You can think of this in terms of running a race. If you do not know what the goal is, how will you ever be able to celebrate crossing the finish line?

Instead of setting a goal of losing weight, try adding numbers to your target, e.g. “To lose 5 pounds and 3 inches off my waist by June.” This way you’ll be able to track your successes and alter your plan if you get off-target.

2. Be Realistic.

Make your goals achievable. One of the best ways to know what you will be able to do is to first find out where you are now. Make an appointment to see your chiropractor. Let him or her know what you would like to do, then get advice on whether it is possible given your current state of health.

There is nothing more deflating than starting an exercise program, only to get injured shortly thereafter.

For instance, if you have not exercised in a long time, beginning an exercise program that involves a lot of running may be a little unrealistic or unsafe. Are you setting yourself up for failure or success? Ensuring that your goals are attainable right from the start will better prepare you to enjoy the fruits of your labor.

3. Create a Plan.

Structuring your time and energy to accomplish your goal step-by- step will improve your odds for following through with your vision. To establish structure, start with the end in mind, and work your way back to the starting point. Ask yourself the following question, “In order to achieve this, what needs to be in place first?” Then, continue to work backward, asking the same question over and over until you get to where you are now. If you can say honestly that everything is in place to get you past the first step, you are ready to go!

With an exercise program, you will need to consider what equipment you will require (i.e. running shoes, a gym membership). Are the resources affordable? And does your schedule allow for the time required to follow through with your plan?

4. Establish a Support System.

Enlist people around you to help achieve your goals. Support systems can provide some well-needed motivation and accountability to keep you moving toward your goal.

Your chiropractor is an excellent resource for advice for any issues related to your body and its ability to accomplish what you have in mind. Finally, let your friends and family know about your plans for the new, healthier you. Having your loved ones aware of your goals can help you when the going gets tough.

5. Monitor Your Progress and Celebrate!

Ensuring that your goals are measurable and time-specific will help confirm you are on target. This allows you to modify your plan when necessary, and to celebrate the achievement of smaller, intermediate goals.

When you celebrate your success, you create the positive fuel to propel you toward your ultimate goal. If you do not create a plan to do this, you may find it more difficult to stay connected with your original intention. You will feel deflated and off track as the result. Don’t let this happen! Your chiropractor wants to celebrate all your healthy goals with you this upcoming year.

No matter what your goals are, follow these simple tips to help you achieve them. Ask for more advice whenever it is needed and make regular chiropractic adjustments one of your main tools for good health!

What you do for a living can have a big impact on your body – and your job does not have to be physical in order for that to be true. There are many different kinds of injuries that can be held in the workplace. Here are some of the injuries you can face at work, and how your chiropractor might be able to help you avoid or treat them!

The Most Common Injuries in the Workplace

If you suffer from an injury at work that keeps you from getting the job done, it can be frustrating as well as painful. It can also put your job in jeopardy. Some injuries are from accidents, while others are from completing the same tasks over and over again on a daily basis. Many workplace injuries can be treated or avoided with the help of chiropractic care, including:

Back pain
Sprains
Carpal tunnel syndrome
Headaches
Neck pain
Nerve damage
Tendonitis

How Workplace Injuries are Diagnosed

If you see your chiropractor with a specific complaint, such as back pain, then they will work with you to uncover the root cause of the pain you are experiencing. Often this is done through asking questions about your lifestyle, your job, and any other contributing factors. They also may a family and personal medical history. At The Joint, X-rays or MRIs are not performed, but if the chiropractor feels you need them, then you will be directed to a facility that can perform them. Once all the information is gathered, your chiropractor can then use your experience and education to determine your problem and create a treatment plan to help rectify your issues.

How Chiropractic Treatment Can Help      

Once your injury has been diagnosed, then the treatment plan will use the drug-free and natural methods to address the injury. Chiropractors are famous for their spinal manipulations, but they are also experts in body mechanics, so they can also use exercise therapy, nutrition counseling, and heat / therapy to help you move past your injury and recover completely. Your doctor will work with you to determine the best treatment options for you. Rest assured, every treatment offered has one goal: To restore full function to your body.

By Sara Butler

What are your wishes this holiday?

It’s a stressful time of year. In addition to performing the duties associated with all of your other responsibilities, you have added responsibilities that the holidays require. Where are we celebrating? Who will be there? What do I have to do/bring? Is my shopping done? Do I have enough money for that gift for Mom? Will the children be happy? The holidays can really pack on the stress, which can result in headaches and stomach disorders, to name just a couple of things that can reduce your enjoyment of the season!

How do you deal with that kind of stress? Well… you should put some of the focus on yourself and do something you really enjoy this time of year. Take a nice latte break while shopping. Get a massage. Buy a holiday gift that is just to you, from you! Have a manicure, a pedicure, a facial – or even all three!

Throw a cookie exchange party to cut down on baking! Have dinner with an old friend who is coming into town to visit family.

In terms of cooking – buy some prepared foods or hire someone to help with food preparation. Ask everyone to bring a dish. Or, cut back on food preparation entirely, there’s always too much anyway and who needs all those extra calories anyway? Get the children to pitch in to help – they love to make cookies!

Other obligations? Forget the holiday cards this year. Enlist help from your family with the decorating. Have a grab bag instead of buying for every family member.

The idea here is to take care of yourself and part of doing that is making sure you take care of your health naturally by keeping up with your chiropractic adjustments, eating nutritious foods, and getting plenty of water and rest!

Do something different this year – do something for YOU!