So, you’re stuck at home and not able to get out and about as usual, unless you have a home gym. It also makes it tough in general to keep up with your regular exercise routine, and that can be extremely frustrating. Look, I get it. With this coronavirus, these are unprecedented times. We are being asked to practice social distancing. I can assure you, if you are running out of closets to clean, movies to watch and had enough e-learning for one day, you are not alone.
Truth is, we need movement for our mental and physical health. It likely didn’t take much more than a weekend of social distancing for you to see that. And now that many people are mandated to stay home, we are going to have to figure out how to do this on our own for the next few weeks. Don’t fret, I got you.
Get outside for a walk, bike ride, a run, skip, whatever.
Even if you’re practicing social distancing, and as long as you’re not sick, you can continue to get outside and walk, hike, run, etc. (If you do so, make sure to maintain proper hygiene and keep a social distance). You should also be allowed to spend time outside, even if you’re sheltering in place.
Set a recurring alarm to do 10 reps of 10 exercises.
Many of our physical therapy patients are doing their home excesses at home (I hope they are anyways), but we shouldn’t stop moving just because we are at home. So, if you already have a home exercise program, it is good to set a schedule, so you stick with it.
Or, another option is to make up a routine, (ask your physical therapist or physician first!) For an idea, how about 10 jumping jacks, 10 strait leg raises, 10 push-ups, 10 squats, 10 lunges (each side), 10 glute bridges, 10 sit-ups.
If you have young kids, play with them.
They cannot sit still, as I’m sure you are aware. Play with them the way they play. They will give you a great little workout if you actually do as they do.
Challenge yourself.
Maybe you want to be able to do a certain number of push-ups or sit-ups, or you want to or be able to plank for a certain number of seconds or minutes. Now is a great time to give yourself a new little challenge that you can try to achieve every day. Chart your progress. It will also give you self-confidence as you actually watch your progress.
Shake the cabin fever, get up and move around. Your body, your mind, and likely your housemates, coworkers and the people at the grocery store will all thank you. Stay healthy, stay home, but stay moving, friends!
