Spring is here, and while it may seem like the season is taking its time this month, it won’t be long before Maryland experiences clear sunny skies that invite you to get out there and enjoy them. At CAM Physical Therapy and Wellness Services, we’d like to remind you why you should be getting regular physical activity and we encourage you to active outdoors as the weather keeps getting warmer.

The many health benefits that come from being physically active on a regular basis are becoming more widespread these days and should now be well known to most people. Of the many well-documented positive effects of regular exercise, some of the most important ones include: more energy, better control of weight, improved mental health and mood, stronger bones and muscles, and a reduced risk of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers. Yet even though so many are aware of these benefits, according to am American Heart Association (AHA) survey, about 80% of Americans still don’t make exercise a regular habit, and 14% of us downright don’t like it.

The reasons for this are different for every individual. Some people enjoy exercising, but can’t seem to find enough time to do so in their busy lives, while others may not like going to gyms and running on a treadmill or using a stationary bicycle. Still others simply don’t care for exercise in any form, and find it to be a chore that they’d rather pass on. If you happen to fall into one of these categories, whatever your reasoning may be, you’re not treating your body right and you can be increasing your risk for future health problems down the road.

What you need to keep in mind is that whatever your age or fitness level, there’s a type of exercise that’s right for you. Even brisk walking and gardening a few times a week can be beneficial for your health. It’s just a matter of finding what’s right for you.

Here are some tips to help you start—or pick back up—your exercise routine over the next few months so you can get the most out of your time in the sunny days ahead:

• Find exercise that suits you: everyone is different and no physical activity is loved by all, but there must be some sort of physical activity you can find that you enjoy
• Make it a habit: it takes about three weeks for something to become a habit, so don’t get discouraged at first; try exercising around the same time every day and make it a part of your daily routine
• Be honest with yourself: set reasonable goals that are attainable and will fit into your lifestyle; basic changes like parking further away or taking the stairs over the elevator can actually lead to big benefits over time
• Break it up: the AHA recommends about 30 minutes of physical activity five days a week, but if you can’t commit to that block of time, try two 15- or three 10-minute sessions instead
• Don’t get discouraged: if you happen to miss a workout or complete day of exercise, don’t get down on yourself or give up on your plan; bounce back and pick up the next day with the same level of motivation as before
• Stretch, especially the major muscle groups in your back, arms and legs, before and after any exercise, for about 20 minutes total
• Ensure you’re using shoes and other equipment that’s not worn out and up-to-date, and replace them accordingly if need be
• Hydrate sufficiently before, during and after exercising

The warm weather will be calling your name soon enough. At CAM Physical Therapy and Wellness Services in Laurel, Hyattsville and Glenn Dale/Bowie, MD, we encourage you to take advantage of it and find an exercise regimen that works for you. For more information on how to get active this year or to schedule an appointment, call us at

301-853-0093.