I often talk about how to get to 100 with all your teeth. Helping our patients achieve this is the basis of our practice philosophy, but a lot of my patients say “Well, doc I’m not sure I’ll live to be 100.” While healthy teeth are important, a healthy lifestyle is what will help you live to be 100. So, I thought it would be prudent to offer some tips from a fitness expert on how to create healthy, sustainable habits that will support your overall health.
About Anthony Diaz, Fitness Expert
Anthony Diaz is a patient of our practice and a fitness expert who shares his workouts and healthy habits with his 140k followers on Instagram at @_anthony_diaz. He is originally from Hollywood, Fla. and played football at the University of South Florida, where he met his wife, Jen. The two share an eight-year-old daughter and often workout together on his Instagram page.
Anthony grew up being active and enjoys being outdoors whenever possible. In 2015, he started his Instagram account to share his workouts with friends back home. But, he got serious about his at-home workouts after the birth of his daughter, because he no longer had time to go to the gym for an hour a day.
“When my daughter was born, my lifestyle changed. Now, I only had 20-minutes to work out before my wife needed a break and the baby needed to be taken care of. I started going out into the garage and doing things that weren’t complex – like run to the end of the road and back, then do a couple of pushups and air squats. I accomplished what I wanted and something as simple as that made me feel better.”
Eventually, his account got the attention of people from all over the nation and today his account provides a community for people looking to improve their physical health and up their fitness game.
Tips to incorporate fitness into your lifestyle
As someone who is balancing work life and a family, and still finds the time to make fitness a priority, I asked Anthony for a few tips for people who want to be more active. Here’s what he had to say.
-
1. Get outside and walk.
For someone who isn’t currently exercising, walking is a great starting point. Anthony said, “if you don’t do any type of exercise, walk for an hour a day and I guarantee that you’ll feel it.” In addition, it will get the blood moving in your body and teach your body that you’re going to start working.
-
2. Start small.
When Anthony was going to the gym, he noticed that people there would often imitate the person next to them or push themselves too hard. “You can get injured doing things you don’t know how to do properly, and an injury could cause someone to shelf their exercise program entirely,” he added. He recommends starting with 20 to 30 minutes a day of something you’re comfortable doing. For people who don’t enjoy writing workout plans, like him, it’s also good to follow a program designed by someone else – either on Instagram or a fitness app.
-
3. Do things you like.
Exercise doesn’t have to be a chore. In fact, Anthony makes a point to incorporate things he enjoys into his lifestyle. He’s competed in a Tough Mudder race, played beach volleyball, and even mows the lawn to get in a quick workout. Doing something you enjoy, he says, will make you much more likely to continue your fitness journey.
-
4. Listen to your body.
This is a great tip, especially if you’re new to the fitness world. Anthony says that he wakes up every morning and does a body check to see what’s sore and what he may need to rest that day. “When I do that, I have a great workout every single time because I’m not pushing myself too hard,” he adds.
-
5. Stay hydrated.
When working out, especially outdoors in Florida, be sure to drink plenty of water. Anthony said this is particularly important if you’re trying a workout for the first time. Make sure you’re also getting your electrolytes to replenish your body. Fitness and nutrition go hand in hand, and your body needs proper nourishment before and after workouts.
Where To Begin
If you’re looking for a great workout, I recommend following Anthony on Instagram. His workouts are 20 to 30 minutes and easy to modify with equipment you have at home. Investing in your physical health will also support your mental health and dental health.
If you’re interested in getting to 100 with all your teeth, schedule a dentist appointment with Larry Saylor Dentistry in Brandon, FL. We’ll be happy to go over your treatment needs and establish a plan that works for you.
×
