During illness, medical issues or surgical "downtime" your life's routine is disrupted. Although disrupted, your fitness and health commitments don't have to be derailed, just altered.
As humans, we automatically think of the negative - "I can't walk!" " I can't swim!" "I can't even take a shower!" It's what I call the "Can't Do List". It's not that these assessments aren't true, they are, but they don't have to trip you totally up as you heal, convalesce or complete treatment.
What about thinking about the positive? "I can lift weights." "I can use my other leg/arm." "I can use my body weight while sitting in a chair." This is much more health and life affirming approach, using what I call the "Can Do List."
Here are some ideas my clients have leaned on during those life disrupted times:
a. Sitting cardio- taking good care of your heart doesn't have to mean standing exercises- sitting aerobics are a creative and fun way to move your body. Just play your favorite tunes!
b. Lifting and Stretching- your bed can serve as the first and last place each day that you practice self care. Take a few minutes twice a day (in bed is perfect), to stretch your legs, arms, back and head- moving is healthy and most people can handle at these some in bed movements.
c. Challenge the status quo- ask yourself what you can do to connect your body and mind. Get that meditation practice started? Do yoga in your chair? Strength training while watching TV?
Fitness options are numerous and all around us, no matter what we can or can't do!
Need help with an exercise prescription for your specific medical or health needs? I'm here to help!