www.Ups tatePhys i c i ansSC . com | www.Hea l thL i nksUps tate. com | 47 PHYSICAL ACTIVITY By the Numbers Sedentary people who experience positive feelings during a single bout of exercise report an increase of physical activity at both SIX and 12 MONTHS later. People who have FOUR OPTIONS for pleasurable physical activity are 6.5 TIMES more likely to meet physical activity guidelines. The World Health Organization prescribes 150 MINUTES of moderate-intensity activity per week. 68% of Americans do not meet physical activity guidelines. Source: American Journal of Lifestyle Medicine. something they must do to get in shape. They hit the gym, go for a run or invest in home exercise equipment. For some, these forms of exercise are intimidating and isolating, and the time they spend working out becomes arduous rather than renewing. “The mind-set is a powerful thing and often sends us false narratives about the very thing we need,” said Cross. Camp Gladiator promotes exercising in community as a way of providing encouragement and camaraderie as much as accountability: “When you find a program that feels more like family than just a good sweat, then you’ve really found something special.” Most importantly, both Cross and Dr. DiGiacomo stressed the importance of individualizing the pathway to fitness. Intrinsic motivators are unique to each person. Dr. DiGiacomo diversifies her approach for all patients, encouraging them to “get 1% better every day.” The journey to health, she said, should reflect our different bodies, hobbies, abilities and goals. “Comparison is often called the thief of joy,” Cross pointed out, “and I’d like to add it’s also the thief of progress. If you want to make progress, put the blinders on and go to work!” Dr. Rachel DiGiacomo earned her doctorate in physical therapy from the Medical University of South Carolina in 2020 and practices at Made 2 Move in Summerville. Larsyn Cross has been training since 2014 and holds a master’s degree in health exercise and sports science from the Citadel. Check out Camp Gladiator Charleston on Instagram and Facebook.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MjcyNTM1