At this time people are spending a considerable amount of time in self-isolation, but there are ways people of all ages and ability can keep active through a variety of exercises.
When it comes to physical activity, we know that our balance and muscle strength is crucial for allowing us to remain healthy and independent, and key to avoiding at-home injuries and falls. The UK chief medical officer’s guidelines recommend twice weekly strength and balance training for adults of all ages.
Yet, if we are all about to spend significantly more time indoors and being highly inactive for long periods of time, we run the risk of losing physical capability, known as ‘deconditioning’. A similar phenomenon is common when spending long periods of time in hospital. This is why being active while in isolation will help you maintain your ability to do everyday activities and reduce your risk of losing physical capabilities.
Fortunately, there are many ways we can all keep up our strength and balance exercises while remaining indoors, without the need for exercise equipment or even much space. These can include yoga and dancing which you can join in with on the LifeTime programme. There are many on line resources too – here are some links to videos you can do at home. Keep moving, keep safe.
Exercises that can be done while sitting in a chair – nhs sitting exercises
Building strength with gentle exercises, even if you haven’t exercised in a while – nhs strength exercises
A useful list of websites with links – Moving for older adults
