Staying active at home with a health condition

Thursday 23rd April 2020

When managing a health condition, it is about finding ways to move that can suit your daily living and how you are feeling. If you are currently shielding as part of the Covid-19 guidance, there are many ways that you can move at home or access online videos. If you are shielding alone, some exercise classes are streamed through live apps and websites allowing you to connect with family and friends.

Sport England’s ‘We Are Undefeatable’ campaign is specifically designed to support people living with long-term health conditions and has a some fantastic support and advice on ways to the be active during this time.

 

Get moving around the home
Building activity into your routine
Being active together
Moving more outdoors
Using online digital tools

 

Below are also some other great activities that we have come across that can help you to ‘move a little more’ during this lockdown period.

 

We Are Undefeatable Zahoor

 

Adaptive Yoga
Wheelpower have a series of Adaptive Yoga videos to encourage wheelchair users to exercise

 

LimbPower
Limbpower have created private Facebook groups to support the physical, psychological and social wellbeing of amputees and individuals with limb difference. Join the LimbPower: Stay in Stay Active group here, and the LimbPower Juniors: Stay In Stay Active group here for juniors and their families.

 

We Are Undefeatable Rebecca

 

NHS pilates workout
The NHS has produced a A pilates-inspired workout suitable for people with multiple sclerosis, chronic fatigue syndrome (CFS),  chronic pain, fibromyalgia. The 30-minute class includes gentle strength and flexibility exercises to relieve tension in the body and improve mobility.

 

British Blind Sport
British Blind Sport have provided some audio exercise programmes, covering a wide range of activities such as Yoga, Pilates, Cardio, Bootcamp and Strength among many others. They have also set up a Facebook group here.

 

We Are Undefeatable Chris

 

Diabetes UK
Diabetes UK have put together tips to support you in keeping well and managing diabetes while you’re at home, self-isolating or shielding – or know someone who is.

 

Parasport home workouts
Parasport have teamed up with Kris Saunders-Stowe a qualified fitness instructor to bring you short, easy to follow guide to stretching and improving your mobility.

 

The Chief Medical Officer Professor, Chris Whitty, has emphasised that engaging in physical activity is important for the body and mind during this uncertain time however, it is important to avoid crowded areas and not stay outside for prolonged periods of time.

Please be aware of current government advice on exercising:

• Stay local and use open spaces near to your home where possible – do not travel unnecessarily
• You should only go outside alone or with members of your own household
• Keep at least two metres apart from anyone outside your household at all times
• Gatherings of more than two in parks or other public spaces have been banned and the police will enforce this
• If you have a garden, make use of the space for exercise and fresh air
• Take hygiene precautions when you are outside, and wash your hands as soon as you are back indoors
• If you are self-isolating with symptoms, or someone in your household has them, you shouldn’t leave home but that doesn’t mean you should stop moving.
• The Government have now updated the guidance for individuals with a significant health.  If you (or a person in your care) have a specific health condition that requires you to leave the home to maintain your health – including if that involves travel beyond your local area – then you can do so. This could, for example, include where individuals with learning disabilities or autism require specific exercise in an open space two or three times each day – ideally in line with a care plan agreed with a medical professional.