Everyone needs to exercise, yet they don’t have to go to a gym or a park to work out. Many forms of exercise can be done right at home without weights, machines, or a personal trainer.
Even if they’re homebound because of health issues, individuals can figure out a way to fit their daily dose of recommended movement into their schedule.
The following are a few ideas to get patients started on a healthy routine.
Exercise ideas
Yoga: A low-impact exercise that can improve physical and mental wellbeing, yoga is ideal for people with physical pain because it helps to reduce stress and tension. A special type of this exercise, called restorative yoga, is especially designed for people with physical ailments. It’s done completely on the floor, and a person can use straps, pillows and blankets to make the movements more comfortable. Special attention is paid to the vertebrae. At the end of a session a person should be able to move more easily. Many restorative yoga videos can be purchased or viewed for free online.
Tricep dips: Strength training is a crucial element of any exercise regimen. Muscles burn more calories than fat and speed up the body’s metabolism. If a person doesn’t own weights, they might try tricep dips, which can be done with a chair or bench. The person puts their arms on a bench or chair behind them so that their fingers are facing forward. They lower themselves so that their arms are at a 90-degree angle. Then they lift themselves back up to the starting position. During this exercise, the person’s legs can either be bent or stretched out in front of them, parallel to the floor.
Squats: For more of a full-body workout, patients can do squats, which help to increase strength and flexibility. This exercise begins with the person standing upright with their feet shoulder-width apart. They slowly lower their bodies as if sitting down in a chair, stopping when their thighs are parallel to the floor. Then they slowly rise to the standing position again.
Safety first
People with certain health conditions such as multiple sclerosis, HIV, cancer, Crohn’s, and arthritis have special needs. Before pursuing any form of exercise, they need to consult with their doctors and/or physical therapists. If they feel winded or achy, they should listen to their bodies and stop immediately.