Start by moving in bed or sitting on a chair

When you can’t move very well to exercise on “dry land,” then consider starting in the water:  the shower, a tub, or local therapy pool while holding onto something very sturdy and wearing water shoes for your safety.*

When you can’t move very well to exercise at all, we can start right where we are in a chair or bed!*

What can you do that will make a difference when lying in bed or sitting on a chair?  Palenty!  Try these gentle movements to help keep the complications of inactivity away (like muscle wasting, blood clots, and deconditioning, oh my!).*

• Lightly stroke or massage your arms, your legs, your tummy, your feet, your hands, your face, your neck, and shoulders.
• Take a few deep breaths such that your belly puffs out and rib cage expands to the side (not up and down).  Breathe in slow-and-low if possible.  (See HERE for more information on breathing techniques.)
• Reach up towards the ceiling/wall, out to the sides, and down a few times each.  Don’t force any movements or bounce your arms.  Everything should be slow and controlled TO but not THROUGH the point of discomfort.
• Copy the same movements with your legs, one at a time even if a few inches off of the bed or chair when first starting out.
• Bend and straighten the arms at every joint as tolerated:  elbows, wrists, fingers.  Rotate the wrists; turn the palms up then turn them down.
• Bend and straighten the legs at every joint as tolerated:  knees, ankles, toes.  Rotate the ankles; turn the feet in towards one another then away from one another.
• If there are no back pain spinal, or disc issues, gently roll your hips side to side then hike them up and down a few times.*
• Pump your ankles against the floor then your legs (as if marching, yes even if in bed by sliding your heels up towards you then away from you).
• Get out of bed, stand up using your legs, and go get a drink of water.  You’ve done it and you’re done!  Congratulations!

* Please consult with a healthcare practitioner who knows you well before beginning any exercise program to determine if it is right for your needs.  Follow any recommended restrictions or precautions over and above these Active Tips and check our Disclaimer for more information.