What can we do? Wow, so we are finding ourselves in a situation in which we are unable to go about our day in the way we were before the COVID-19 health crisis occurred. Here are a few ideas to help keep everyone movin’ and a grovin’.
Good gracious, what can we do to keep ourselves and our family members or friends healthy in such a crisis? It is important to keep ourselves strong and flexible because it will help us in so many other areas. So here goes!
I know this is a strange time for all of us. However, trust me when I tell you this is not the time to let your physical mobility and strength take a huge hit. So, weighing the risk to benefit, what if we make it a family affair and try some activities! I saw a short clip of a video of two adult sons and their Dad dancing in front of the garage…I LOVED it! Time to be creative!
Just take a peek at my list if ideas and REMEMBER…most things can be ramped up or down, can be modified for current fitness levels- start small and work up! Stay hydrated! If someone in your family is not really willing to participate, perhaps do it anyway, as they see how positive it can be, hopefully they will join in.
- Body weight exercises! No need for equipment, no need for a gym or a trainer if you can take the time to research and learn just a few exercises at a time. This way you do not overwhelm your body with too many new ones all at once.
- Family dance party! Sometimes it takes a bit for people to let their guard down and dance-listen…everyone’s Grandparent was young at some point. They could probably show you a move or two!
- Try to find a video for an exercise program to suit your ability online. Some companies stream services. Sometimes you can find short clips on sites like You tube. This is where you need to take some responsibility in deciding if an exercise feels OK. * note: PT’s,MD’s, fitness professionals are unable to feel your pain! It will be up to you the individual to proceed slowly, know what areas on your body are vulnerable-past injuries etc. ( I will write another post to address this )
- Family walks: Our neighborhood is starting to get really good at doing daily walks. We are keeping our physical distance but welcoming the site of our neighbors with a genuine heartfelt wave! * its OK if you have family members with different activity tolerance levels-you can do short ones with less able members, add a loop for mid level and add another for higher level. ( With my Life Enhancement program groups we have someone at the lead and someone is the caboose to help all)
- Bring back yard games! Memories of playing badminton, croquet, Boccie, softball, volleyball, soccer…trust me when I tell you that 30 min. of one on one with your children is a workout! I am laughing as I type this! I am not suggesting hide and seek…the bears are out in our neck of the woods!
- Yoga or gentle stretching routines that are calming to all. My dear friend and co-grandmother to my sweet little 5 year old granddaughter does this after a day of fun with all 3 of her grand kids…lines up the mats and leads them through a little class in the evening!
- So what if its an inside day? Pull out some video games that require you to move. Some physical therapists use games to help patients with balance-think of the Wii system-there are programs with dance moves, bowling, baseball etc.
- “Rocky” style weight lifting! Remember in one of the “Rocky” movies where Rocky is in Russia and has to use what is around him to strength train? I am not saying go out and run in knee deep snow! However, you can use some small every day items as weights. Be sure they are a match to your current ability and the size of the muscles you are working. **You may need to look at resources to see the correct way to perform an exercise. One of the things we often say in our PT clinic is ” Pick things up and put them down”
While the entire world is fighting with a pandemic virus, there are some things we can do to help keep ourselves and our family and friends in some sort of physical shape. This is the time to learn to motivate yourself and each other. Honestly its a mission of mine to help people do this anyway. The healthier we can keep ourselves, the better!!
