As the New Year arrives, many people turn their attention to health-related resolutions, whether it's improving flexibility, managing pain, or simply feeling better in their daily routines.

Yet, the challenge for most is not in setting these goals but in sustaining them. To help you start 2025 on the right foot, here are some practical tips to make those health resolutions last beyond January. 

Rethinking New Year's Resolutions 

Many of us start the New Year full of enthusiasm, setting ambitious health goals. However, this excitement can often lead to burnout or disappointment by mid-January. Instead of striving for drastic changes, it's more effective to focus on smaller, achievable steps. 

"It's essential to be realistic about what your body can achieve in a short period," says Ben Ratcliffe, Clinical Lead at True Physio. "Rather than setting goals like working out every day or making drastic changes to your diet, aim for consistent, manageable adjustments." 

Making progress at a sustainable pace is key. If your goal is to improve flexibility or manage pain, start with small efforts and build on them gradually over time.

Don't overlook the importance of mobility and posture, either. Enhancing how your body moves can ease stiffness, reduce discomfort, and significantly improve your overall wellbeing. 

If your goal is to improve flexibility or manage pain, start with small efforts and build on them gradually over time (True Physio).

Here are some simple exercises to get you started: 

• Neck and Shoulder Rolls: Gently roll your shoulders backward and forward to relieve tension and improve posture. You can also do neck rolls by tilting your head side to side. 
• Cat-Cow Stretch: A popular yoga move, this exercise involves arching your back (cat) and then lifting your chest and tailbone (cow) to enhance spinal flexibility and relieve tension. 
• Leg Swings: Holding onto a stable surface, swing one leg forward and backward to improve hip flexibility and balance. 

Incorporating these into your routine is a great way to ease into regular movement without overwhelming yourself. Remember it's not all about exercising though, treat yourself to a massage by a True Physio qualified therapist who are skilled in various massage techniques and understand the unique needs of each client. 

Setting achievable goals is the key to long-term success. Whether your aim is to improve flexibility, reduce pain, or just feel better in your daily life, break your goal into smaller, realistic steps.

For those needing extra guidance or support, True Physio Stoke on Trent offers professional assessments to help you understand your body's strengths and weaknesses. They can create a personalised plan that aligns with your health goals, ensuring you don't push yourself too hard and risk injury.

For more information or to schedule an assessment, visit True.Physio.

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