Sticking to fitness with an FSA

During the winter, sometimes the last thing we want to do is go outside when it's cold or dark - especially if it involves exercising. But, sticking to your fitness is important year-round and exercise has many health benefits. Whether you're just getting started or are curious about exploring new fitness routines, your FSA can certainly play a role in keeping you on track.

Here are a few tips to help you stick to your fitness goals:

Be realistic. Setting goals is great and so is getting out there and doing what you enjoy when it comes to fitness, but you don't want to overdo it by working out too much or exerting too much strain on your body at once. If you do get muscle soreness, a great way to get some relief is through hot or cold therapy. Cold packs can reducing inflammation and pain associated with heavy exercise, and they're FSA-eligible!

Check out: TheraPearl

Tell friends or family. Having a level of accountability (telling your loved ones about your fitness routine and goals) will keep you motivated, and tracking exercise through an app can also be a great way to view your progress. If you'd like, you can even monitor your blood pressure with a handy bluetooth wireless monitor.

Check out: A&D Deluxe Bluetooth Connected Blood Pressure Monitor

Sign up for a race or event. If you're looking for some extra motivation, signing up for a fitness event can be a good way to train and push yourself. Check out events listed online and in your community, or ask at the local gym. Add the event to your calendar and set up weekly goals and times to train for it.

Get support. If you're dealing with muscle soreness or needed additional support, your FSA can help with various items. Kinesiology tape or K-Tape, can add that support, and so can knee or ankle braces. Again, stay realistic and don't overlook pain or muscle soreness. Take breaks and give your body a chance to rest and heal properly.

Check out: KT-Tape

Treat (chronic)pain symptoms.TENS therapy relies on an electric current that treat muscle and joint pain in a drug-free way. TENS therapy stimulates the nerves in an affected area, and can treat regular muscle soreness but also chronic pain.

Check out: Icy Hot TENS Therapy