Sticking to a workout plan isn’t easy. Most people go through phases of trying different exercise regimes, only to quit and stop exercising altogether. It’s why many gyms lose their members in February after the January new year resolution rush is over. But regular, consistent exercise is best for maintaining your vein health. The Department of Health and Human Services recommends at least 150 minutes of moderate aerobic activity each week or 75 minutes of vigorous exercise. Even 30 minutes of moderate activity can help.
But, as we all know, even 30 minutes a day can seem monumental when you haven’t exercised in a long time or are struggling with health issues. So what can you do to feel motivated to get back into the exercise habit? Try these tips.
- Start small. One of the biggest reasons people stop exercising is because they go too hard or fast and injure themselves. Over-exercising or straining your body wouldn’t help you maintain your exercise goals. Remember, you’re striving for consistency, so start with something small and work your way, even if it’s just a nightly walk around the block!
- Track your progress. It takes a long time to see visible results from exercising, but your body will start to change. It’s just not very obvious at first. But if you track your exercise progress with a journal or app, you can see the minor improvements you’re making each day, like adding one more minute on the treadmill or doing two more pushups. Each improvement is a step in the right direction!
- Make it fun: The most active people find ways to make exercise fun, and you should too. So if going to the gym isn’t working, try something else. For example, join a walking or running group, try a new exercise class, or take up biking or hiking. The goal is to find something that makes movement enjoyable!
- Use your tools to help avoid leg pain. Many patients struggle to exercise because of vein health symptoms like leg pain or swelling. But exercise helps your vein health improve if you do it right. Try using compression socks or athletic wear to help avoid leg pain or swelling, or ask our doctors for their exercise recommendations. Try low-impact exercise activities like walking, swimming, biking, or yoga to ease into a routine.
- Remind yourself of your goal. If you’re tired of living with varicose or spider vein symptoms, you must embrace exercise as a preventative health measure. So set a plan to make it consistent and remind yourself why this goal is essential to you when you’re struggling.
Imagine how much easier your life would be without the constant pain and symptoms of varicose or spider vein issues. Our treatments can give you that now, but regular exercise can help you avoid those long-term symptoms. Establishing a consistent exercise routine isn’t easy, but it’s worth it for your vein health!