Due to the current restrictions, many of us are taking advantage of exercise classes and videos that that are being streamed through social media and YouTube. This enables us to continue to take part in our weekly Pilates; Yoga; HIIT; Legs, Bums and Tums sessions (the list goes on!) from our own home which is giving many of us more opportunities to maintain our fitness!
When we are exercising at home (and not directly in front of an instructor who would advise on what we should and shouldn’t do) we must keep the following points in mind:
- You should appropriately stretch and warm up/down at the start and end of your session.
- Exercising should feel comfortable, ie you should expect to feel the normal effects of exercise in your muscles and joints, but you shouldn’t feel ‘pain.’
- If you are using equipment, such as hand weights, then ensure the weight is correct for you. Don’t overload yourself, your body won’t thank you!
- Core stability muscles must be correctly activated to ensure the Lumbar spine is sufficiently supported, in particular during Pilates, Yoga and any sessions that focus on abdominal strengthening. Pelvic floor, core and abdominal strengthening is very specific and sometimes people don’t realise when they aren’t correctly activating these muscles.
- If you suffer with a Musculoskeletal condition (to include Osteoarthritis, Osteoporosis, Rheumatoid Arthritis, have had a joint replacement), are pregnant or in the post-natal phase, you need to ensure you have spoken to a health professional before taking part in a new form of exercise and if you are following an online session, ensure that it is run by a health professional who is appropriately qualified.
- Ask questions!!! Whether it’s to your instructor or to your local Physiotherapist about any concerns that you have.