With the new year comes resolutions, and within a few weeks of 2025, many of us will be wondering how to get our goals to stick. With this in mind, I sat down with Dr. Christina Hector, the medical director of West Orange’s Onyx Aesthetics and Sports Medicine, and asked how to start getting fit in the new year.
Aesthetics and sports medicine don’t seem to have much overlap, but the one thing that links them together is regenerative medicine. One of the services Christina applies is Platelet-Rich Plasma, which is used in sports medicine to improve conditions like tendonitis and arthritis. In aesthetics, it has been shown to help with scarring and hyperpigmentation, as well as giving an overall youthful look. As medicine begins to focus more on regeneration, using procedures like PRP can help your body heal itself inside and out.
Both areas of her job require individualized care and time with patients, which is her favorite part of the job. With that in mind, I asked her how to keep active as the weather changes. Her biggest advice was to add more steps into your routine. Things like taking the stairs instead of the elevator, parking farther from a store entrance, or going for a walk during your lunch break can add up in the end!
Ultimately, Christina recommends to start slow and increase as you go. Exercise can help with diabetes, hypertension, and more, and can lead to changes in medication. Because of this, consulting a sports physician is a must before jumping right in to exercise. As the new year comes around, doctors like Christina are here to help you keep your resolutions and support you along the way.
Tips from Christina:
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Integrate walking into your daily routine! 10 thousand steps is recommended, but start where you feel most comfortable. Even a few extra steps can help in the long run!
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Exercise doesn’t have to be done alone. You can turn a quick workout into a family activity!
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Don’t rush into things- start small and build from there.
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Keep exercise accessible. Stick to gyms that are close to you or do a home workout!
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When starting out at a gym, don’t be afraid to ask a trainer for help! They can help you start to exercise safely.
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Consult a sports physician before starting exercise if you have medical conditions. They can help you find a routine that works!