For many, our favorite places to exercise are currently shut. With swimming pools, gyms and fitness classes all on pause for the time being, how can we still maintain our recommended exercise while at home?
Use your own body weight
Not many of us have gym equipment in the home! This doesn't need to be a problem though, there are lots of exercises you can do just using your own body weight. Exercises such as lunges, squats, step-ups and planks all use your own body weight to build strength.
If you normally use heavier weights at the gym, try adding cans and tins from your store cupboard to up the intensity.
Online fitness classes
If you feel a little unsure about what exercises you should be doing at home, there are plenty of free resources online. Depending on what exercise you are used to doing, you will find guided videos and classes to follow along with online, which will help keep you motivated.
You can access OMS's very own free guided exercises here on our website.
Here is an example in which Véronique takes you through a 16 min yoga sequence on a chair:
Lots of gyms and fitness instructors are offering free classes online, so it is worth contacting them to see what they may be able to offer you. To find more exercise tips, click here.
What are my options if exercise is new to me?
The best advice is to start slow and work your way up. Finding an exercise thank raises your heart rate and makes you sweat is ideal. Click here to read more about what are your exercise options are.
What are my options if I am a wheelchair user?
There are lots of workouts that you can do from your wheelchair to strengthen your upper body, arms and legs and get your blood pumping and heart racing. To read more, click through to our blog here.
Stick to a plan
By building an exercise plan, you are not only helping to motivate yourself but you are ensuring your exercise becomes a habit that you stick to. You can download your very own exercise plan here.
Further reading
- Watch Veronique's webinar: "Exercising at (or close to) home".
- Exercise key to improved quality of life in MS
- MS & Running: everything you need to know
