Is It Possible To Keep Fit Without The Gym?

Yes… It Is Possible To Keep Fit Without The Gym

Whether you normally work from home or have been forced to, due to COVD-19 – you may now feel that you are moving less than usual. Your step counts may be down and the time you spend at the computer, on the phone, and in front of the TV, might have increased a lot. During busy periods, other barriers to exercise are, a lack of access to exercise facilities (gyms, exercise classes, etc.) due to travel or a lack of time. So, to counteract the sedentary time and to help maintain your physical and mental health here are some simple home exercises which most people should be able to do at home without the need for special equipment!  Why not give them a try? Try our Keep Fit without the gym methods. Please see below attached video.  

We are also running Online Pilates Classes which can be taken in the comfort of your own home, go to our Pilates Information page for further details.

The Cat-Dog:

Benefits: Spinal mobility into flexion and extension and weight-bearing into the upper limbs

Instruction: On all fours, hands stacked under the shoulders and knees underneath the hips. Initiate the movement from the pelvis. As you exhale, tuck your tailbone down as you arch your spine. Then inhale, lift the tailbone towards the ceiling, and allow your spine to move into extension. Let your head follow the flow of your spine.

Foot-elevated bridge:

Benefits: Spinal mobility, glute, and hamstring strength.

Instruction: Lie on the floor, feet on a chair hip-width apart. Pushing through your feet, lift your pelvis and spine off the floor ideally until your hips are in line with your knees and shoulders. Pause at the top before rolling back down slowly. Repeat 8-10 times.

 Thread the needle:

Benefits: Spinal mobility into rotation

Instruction: Placing one hand palm up underneath the chest slide the arm across the body, keeping the hips stable. Bend your arm to allow more rotation and your head to follow the movement.

Knee hovers or bear plank:

Benefits: Abdominal activation and stabilisation of the spine

Instruction: On all fours, lift your knees 5 cm above the floor keeping your spine neutral. Hold for 10 seconds before returning your knees to the floor.

Split squat :

Benefits: Quad and gluteal strengthening, balance, and weight-bearing on the lower limbs

Instruction: Step forward keeping your trunk upright and slowly bend both knees to 90 degrees angles then return to the starting position. Keep your pelvis level throughout the movement.

Push-ups on knees:

Benefits: Chest, shoulders, and triceps strengthening

Instruction: Lie on your front with your hands on the floor beside your shoulders. Push through your hands to straighten your elbows and lift yourself off the floor. Keep your body in a straight line. Lower yourself back down slowly and repeat 8-10 times.

Please follow the Link to the Exercise Video Somerton Physio Exercise From Home

If you are looking for a Physio for Osteoarthritis in Dublin, you can book in to see one of our experienced Physio’s to get a more individualised assessment and treatment approach. You can now book an appointment at our Blanchardstown Physiotherapy Clinic, our Castleknock Physiotherapy Clinic, or our Old Bawn Physiotherapy clinic through our website www.somertonphysio.ie, email us at info@somertonphysio.ie or call us at on 01 9069566.