If you've recently begun physical therapy and are hoping to continue your efforts at home, it's best to start with stretching. Some simple stretches can go a long way toward improving your range of motion and helping you prepare for more physical activity. Basic strengthening activities and range-of-motion exercises that help you move more freely are some of the best solutions. Keep some tips in mind for a more worthwhile plan.
Tips for Exercising on Your Own
Exercises are an important part of maintaining physical health and well-being. However, exercising at home can be intimidating if you're not sure where to start. Here are a few tips to help make staying active easier:
Start Slow
It's always best to start slowly when introducing any new activity into your life. Ramping up too quickly might leave you feeling overwhelmed and sore the next day. We recommend starting slow with easy stretching and range-of-motion exercises before moving on to more strenuous activities, such as lifting weights, or high-impact cardio like running or jumping jacks.
Listen to Your Body
This is a key concept when it comes to exercise—don't overdo it! It can be difficult (especially in cases of competitive people) to recognize signs that your body has had enough for one day, so pay attention to what your body tells you throughout each workout session and take regular breaks whenever needed. Feeling overly tired or fatigued could mean that it's time to stop rather than push yourself further into exhaustion. It's essential to permit yourself space for adequate recovery between workouts so that no negative effects occur.
Use Proper Form
While exercising at home doesn't require a trainer watching over you, proper form is still necessary to prevent injury from occurring during fitness sessions. Make sure all stretches are done correctly with a comfortable range of motion without straining. You typically want to have a slight bend in your knees rather than keeping your legs straight if you're standing, and also want to keep your head facing forward rather than having your neck turned.
Exercising Without Equipment
You may feel as though your workout routine won't be as effective without any equipment. However, there are lots of great options you can try without anything besides your own body weight. Try a modified push-up on your knees or sit against the wall and see how long you can hold your position. There are also chair exercises you can try with any seating spot in your house. If you do want equipment, something as simple as a treadmill or exercise bike can work wonders for beginners.
Contact Senior Helpers Greater Knoxville
If you're interested in learning more about incorporating physical therapy into your care plan conducted by our team here at Senior Helpers Greater Knoxville, reach out today. We serve Knoxville, Maryville, Clinton, and Loudon. Our team of dedicated caregivers has experience in ensuring that our clients remain physically active and can even help you perform exercises safely and effectively. Our goal is always to provide you with personalized care tailored to your specific needs at the time.