Simple Ways for Dentists to Improve Physical Fitness

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We all know that physical fitness is an important part of a healthy lifestyle. Studies show that a sedentary lifestyle can be as bad for your health as smoking. Finding ways to incorporate movement into your daily activities, especially if you’re dealing with a dental transition can help you meet your physical fitness needs and reduce your stress levels.

Whether you’re a new dentist or you’re in the later stages of your career, there are several key things you can do to incorporate more activity into your daily life and improve your physical fitness:

1. Count your steps. Experts say 10,000 steps a day is the sweet spot. Use one of the many fitness devices on the market to monitor how many steps you take each day and determine where you may need to change some of your habits to get more steps in.
2. Find something you love to keep you moving and healthy at the same time. Hiking, biking, walking, swimming, sailing, yoga, and martial arts are just a few examples of activities that get you moving and keep you healthy at the same time.
3. Pay special attention to your back. Many dentists deal with lower back pain. Core exercises are key to keeping your back in good physical shape to meet the demands of your job. The core area is comprised of the abdominals, glutes, and back. The “trunk” of your body.
4. Look for places you can sneak in extra steps. Park at the far side of the parking lot so you have to walk a bit longer to get into the office. Skip the elevator and take the stairs. Take a quick 10-minute walk during your lunch break.
5. Change your commuting options. If you live close to your office, consider bicycling to work at least once a week.
6. Consider hiring a personal trainer. The benefit of a good personal trainer is that they can pay attention to your problem areas and focus on exercises to help build these areas.
7. Find a fitness partner. Pair up with a friend or dental associate to keep each other motivated and moving. It’s a great way to be accountable for your daily activities.

Dental schools are now incorporating the importance of physical fitness into their curriculum after finding that dentists who exercise regularly report less back pain than those that do not have a fitness regimen. If you’re having trouble getting more movement and activity in your day, follow some of the tips above.

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