While we are becoming accustomed to staying at home as much as possible during the Corona Virus pandemic, we don’t have to become sedentary. Staying active is good for your body and mind.
If you are able to get outside for a walk or a run, you will experience physical fitness as well as connect with nature. Even if the clouds are low, the birds will be singing, the grass is turning greener and you’ll see spring flowers.
If you are stuck inside, try some easy exercises:
Sit to Stands. While sitting in a firm chair, stand up without using arm rests. To accomplish this, cross your arms across your chest with elbows bent. Your right hand should rest near your left chest (like pledge of allegiance) and the left hand to the right chest. Then stand up from sitting. Repeat as many times as you can for 60 seconds. Record the number that you have completed for reference and improvement. This exercise helps with balance, leg strength and concentration.
Lunges. Stand straight with shoulders back and looking straight ahead. Step forward with one leg, drop body down with front leg at ninety degree angle and back leg bent with knee close to ground. The front leg should be perpendicular to the floor, keeping the knee behind the toes. Do 10 repetitions on each side for beginners, or do walking lunges for more
advanced athletes, as space allows.
Squats. Stand straight with feet shoulder distance apart. Bend both knees with your bottom out, as though you were going to sit in a chair. Align your knees over your feet,
making sure your knees don’t go in front of your toes. Keep your back straight and your
eyes facing forward. Bend your arms and either tuck them close to your side for beginners or straight out in front for advanced athletes. Raise up to standing and back down to squat. Repeat 10 times.
Planks. Face down on a floor mat, bend arms at a ninety degree angle with elbow to hand left on the mat. Keep knees and toes on floor mat for beginners, and lift full legs up to toes for more advanced athletes. Plank for one minute. Try side planks as well, by facing one direction with elbow to hand on the mat, lift torso and legs up off the mat with one foot touching the mat on its side and the other foot resting on top of first foot. Repeat for each side, one minute each.
Reap the benefits: Being active while at home will give you more energy and help you stay fit.
If you don’t feel like you are physically able to exercise, Peak Physical Therapy can help you feel better and begin an active lifestyle with enjoyment. Whether you need physical therapy now or when everything is back to normal, please call us to schedule an appointment, 918-876-3898. We offer prompt scheduling for initial appointments and we have extended clinic hours to accommodate busy schedules.