Sticking to any new exercise or fitness program can be difficult in the beginning. As we try to balance the demands of everyday life, adding a new fitness regimen into our daily routine may seem like an impossible, stressful task. In fact, surveys suggest that about 3 out of 4 people who make fitness-related resolutions give up before reaching their goals. Ucardia wants to try a different approach. We specifically designed our mobile platform for novices who need motivation to stick to their fitness goals, especially after experiencing a heart-related medical event. Here are five tips to help you stay on track while you go through the program:
Be kind to yourself. As the saying goes, “Rome wasn’t built in a day.” Nobody’s perfect and even the most avid fitness junkie has an off day. If you miss your daily workout or eat a high-fat meal, don’t be too hard on yourself. Take the next day as your new opportunity to get back on track with a refreshed, healthy mindset.
Find exercises you enjoy. You’re more likely to stick with exercises if you enjoy doing them. This can be as simple as walking, stretching, jogging, or lifting small weights. Whatever gets your heart rate up and keeps a smile on your face will work!
Track your progress. People who actively engage in daily tracking of their fitness progress are more likely to achieve their goals. Luckily, the Ucardia mobile platform has an integrated tracking feature that actively monitors your progress and reports this information directly to your cardiologist. Log your information everyday and we guarantee that you will see results!
Stay in contact with your medical doctor. Communication with your cardiologist or physical therapist is extremely important. You don’t have to fight your battle alone. While office visits may seem short, with some preparation you can be sure your doctor addresses all your questions and concerns. Before a visit, write down your symptoms, any questions or problems you have, or any changes in how you’re feeling and when the changes started. Bring this list along so you can discuss it with your care team. When you have answers, it’s much easier to understand and stick to your treatment plan.
Don’t neglect your mental health. Experiencing a heart-related medical event can be physically and mentally traumatizing. Anxiety and depression are common occurrences. Use the mindfulness portion of the Ucardia app to meditate and cut out some time of peace throughout your day. Always consult with a medical professional if depression or thoughts of suicide persist.
You already took the most important step of your fitness journey by simply getting started. By trusting Ucardia, you are starting to take back control of your health and we couldn’t be happier to have you part of our family. Stay strong and keep healthy, Ucardian!
If you need support, feel free to reach out to us at support@ucardia.com. We’ll be happy to answer any questions.
