If you’re like me, working out and being able to lift weights is much more than just picking a weight up and putting it down. It relieves stress, keeps your body weight down and most importantly for me decreases mental fatigue and gives you an outlet. With all of the gyms closed, for now, you might be missing the euphoric feeling that you get from working out but do not worry, there are things you can do at home with bodyweight and a little creativity that will help keep you in shape and mentally strong!
Simple bodyweight exercises such as air squats, lunges, push-ups, and pull-ups are a great way to get your heart pumping and hit all of the major muscle groups. A way to mix it up and include your pets is for every time you throw the ball for your pup, you perform 10 push-ups while they are bringing it back to you. Challenge yourself and your pet to see who gives up first. Spoiler alert: you will lose! I challenged my chocolate lab and after 10 sets I was throwing in the towel and he was just getting his 4 legs loose.
It is important in these uncertain times that we do something for our mental well being. Turn off the news, turn off social media, put the phone down and get a workout in whether it be in your garage, back yard or go on a walk and have some quiet prayer time. Stress and worry are thieves to happiness and both mental and physical well being. Control what we can control and that starts with our health.
First Choice Physical Therapy is committed to not only the physical well being of our patients but also the mental and emotional well being of our patients. We are doing all we can during this time to make sure all of our patients and staff are safe while we continue to provide essential and necessary care to everyone. We are also committed to promoting and teaching healthy lifestyles at home. If you need suggestions on what to do at home for a safe and effective exercise plan then please feel free to email one of our therapists for help.
Brannon Chester, DPT
Doctor of Physical Therapy
First Choice Physical Therapy