The Christmas break is often seen as a time to relax and unwind, but for those involved in a return-to-work program, maintaining an exercise rehabilitation routine is important. Whether you’re recovering from an injury or managing a health condition, keeping up with your prescribed program can help ensure long-term success. This holiday season, consistency is key to a smooth recovery and a successful return to work.
Here are 5 reasons why you should keep up with your exercise rehabilitation program prescribed by your Exercise Physiologist:
1. Prevents Setbacks in Recovery
Taking a break from your rehabilitation program, even for a short period, can lead to a decline in your physical progress. Muscles may weaken, joints may become stiff, and flexibility can be lost. Sticking to your exercise routine helps maintain strength and mobility, preventing setbacks and making it easier to get back on track after the holiday break.
2. Supports a Successful Return to Work
Your rehabilitation program is carefully designed to prepare you for a safe return to work. If you stop your exercises, you risk losing the progress you’ve made, which could lead to re-injury or difficulty adjusting to the demands of your job. By continuing your exercises, you improve your chances of returning to work safely and with greater ease.
3. Mental Health Benefits
Exercise has well-known benefits for mental health. It helps reduce stress, improve mood, and combat symptoms of anxiety and depression—common issues that can arise during the hectic holiday season. Staying active throughout the break can help you manage the emotional stress of the holidays while maintaining a sense of achievement and well-being.
4. Maintains Physical Health
Christmas often involves indulgent food, less physical activity, and more sedentary time. Regular exercise keeps your metabolism active, helps prevent weight gain, and supports overall physical health. It also improves energy levels, ensuring you feel more capable of handling the festivities and staying healthy throughout the season.
5. Flexibility for the Holiday Season
One of the advantages of working with an exercise physiologist is that your rehabilitation plan is adaptable. Many exercises can be done at home or even while traveling, making it easy to stay consistent, no matter where the holidays take you. Whether you’re staying with family, going on vacation, or just managing a busy schedule, your rehabilitation program can be adjusted to fit your lifestyle.
Summary
Although the end of year holidays are a time to relax, continuing with your exercise rehabilitation program is an essential part of your recovery journey. Not only will it help you prevent setbacks, but it will also support your return to work, boost your mental health, and improve your overall physical well-being. Following the guidance of your exercise physiologist and maintaining consistency will ensure that you start the new year feeling strong and ready to take on whatever comes next!
References:
The Journal of Rehabilitation Research and Development (JRRD). (2012). The importance of rehabilitation exercise frequency in recovery. JRRD, 49(10), 1499-1508.
American College of Sports Medicine. (2017). Exercise prescription for the treatment of injuries and rehabilitation: Guidelines for physical therapists and exercise physiologists.
American Psychological Association (APA). (2020). Exercise and mental health: The effects of physical activity on mood and stress.
Mayo Clinic. (2020). How exercise helps prevent weight gain during the holidays.
