Anna Kasperick, RD, CPT shares some activity tips for your clients . .
As gyms close across the nation, more and more people are turning to “at home workouts.” Just because the gyms are closed and we are isolated to our homes, does not mean activity needs to fall to the wayside. In fact, it may be more important than ever to get moving.
It is important we continue to educate our patients on movement as medicine.
Research shows that just 10 minutes of exercise increases oxygen to the brain, lowers stress, calms nerves, and improves mood.
Regular movement helps regulate our appetites (i.e. avoiding boredom eating or overeating).
Regular movement helps regulate blood sugar by making our cells more sensitive to our own insulin.
Questions to ask patients:
What was your activity plan prior to COVID-19?
How has your activity changed since COVID-19?
What does your current schedule look like? (working from home, still going into the office, currently off work, home with kids)
What equipment do you have at home? (Dumbbells, yoga matt, kettlebells)
Help patients troubleshoot their current situation to better support movement throughout the day.
Tips to keeping them motivated at home:
- Have them set an appointment with themselves, even when they are working out from home.
- Encourage them to lay out their workout clothes and shoes the night before.
- Encourage them to create groups with their friends and family so they can complete workouts together and keep each other accountable. Text groups, facetime, skype, and zoom are great resources.
- Encourage them to set a timer. Start with 10 minutes at a time. (see 10-minute workouts attached)
- Provide resources. There are tons of companies offering free at home subscriptions to their apps and programs.
- Here are a few – local gym live streaming group fitness classes, Beachbody, Daily Burn, Obe (dance), Bull Dog Online yoga, CorePower yoga, Down Dog (yoga), FightCamp (boxing), Sweat Factor, Tone it up.