Most people really don t have the need to visit a physical therapist on the regular. Most often, the need for a physical therapist has something to do with getting injured, getting older, post-surgery or chronic diseases and a lot of other reasons. But that doesn t mean that physical therapy isn t something that you couldn t incorporate in your daily life. There are many benefits that can be had by performing physical activities with your body throughout your life if you are able to incorporate them often and regularly. Here are 5 things you can incorporate into your daily routine at home: stretching, stretching with bands, sit-to-stand squats, and strengthening exercises.
Stretching
Stretching is the number one best way to get your body moving in such a way that gets you out of your comfort zone. It is something that is easy yet pushes your body in a way that promotes healthy growth and movement. There are so many stretching exercises that can be done on your own or with the help of an object in your home. But mainly, all you need is your body. These stretching exercises can be done sitting down, standing up, or laying down on your back. With the movement of your arms and legs, pulling and stretching parts of your body to where you feel a good stretch but not overdoing it as to hurt yourself. Trust your body and learn to listen to its limits.
Stretching with Bands
On the next level of stretching, you can add bands. Bands are like giant rubber bands that are stretchy. These can be used if there has been over use of a certain body part or maybe if there has been a sprained ankle that needs extra attention. If you are able to sit on a chair or the floor, one end of the band will go on the arch or palm of your foot and the other end in your hand while you point and flex your foot. It will strengthen that ankle as well as your calf muscle.
Sit-to-Stand Squats
Sit-to-stand squats are good for physical therapy but also can very easily be used as a strengthening exercise. This can be done as it states. Start in a sitting position on a chair or a couch and go from the sitting position to standing position on repeat up to 15 times. That can be done I m sets of 3 or 4 or until you feel that your body has hit its limit.
Strengthening Exercises
There are an array of strengthening exercises that can be done at home. If dumbbells are an option, that is a great way to not only stretch your muscles with lighter weights but can obviously help you grow your muscles while you are at it. Even if weights aren t an option, you can use things such as a gallon jug of water or canned food.
There are options when it comes to keeping your body physically healthy even from home. If there is a situation that an is needed, then make sure you listen to your body and your and decide what is best for you.
