Just a reminder that it's important to get exercise right now. It doesn't matter if you go outside or stay indoors. Take a moment to take a walk outside if it's safe, whether it's around your neighborhood or in your backyard only. If it isn't safe, do some stretching exercises indoors. Relieve that tension that is building up inside. It's really important for mood and overall mental wellbeing.

Here are some indoor exercises:
Stretching to Relieve Stress | HealthyWomen

(I know it says for women, but men can do it too!)

[Yaowen]

Dear bluebicycle,

That is such good advice. I both exercise and go outside frequently. I think your post is very important. There has been some preliminary research that Vitamin D might have a role in the body's fight against the SARS-COVID-19 virus. The research is very spotty and preliminary at this point but there has been some other limited research on the relation between Vitamin D and the seasonal influenza.

I don't know if this research will stand the test of time. Nor am I a physician or medical professional of any kind. Of course all medical research is subject to caveats and limitations such as type of study, size of study, duration of study, objectivity of study, confounding factors including research arriving at contrary conclusions and how new discoveries affect previous research.

But I think getting outside is generally a good idea for many, many reasons. Exercise, I think, when it is approved by a physician is so helpful to so many aspects of physical and psychological health.

Thanks so much for your post!

Yao Wen

[Fuzzybear]

Originally Posted by bluebicycle

Just a reminder that it's important to get exercise right now. It doesn't matter if you go outside or stay indoors. Take a moment to take a walk outside if it's safe, whether it's around your neighborhood or in your backyard only. If it isn't safe, do some stretching exercises indoors. Relieve that tension that is building up inside. It's really important for mood and overall mental wellbeing.

Here are some indoor exercises:
Stretching to Relieve Stress | HealthyWomen

(I know it says for women, but men can do it too!)

Thanks blue for sharing

[fern46]

Great post! There are tons of wonderful resources that are freely available. Many professional trainers are offering indoor workout videos on YouTube at the moment. There are options for every health level, age and style. Yoga, cardio, strength, core, etc. There are workouts for people suffering from specific conditions or injuries. The goal is simply to move in some way every day. It is so wonderful for the immune system, the mind and the spirit. Movement can go a long way to help us process the emotions many of us have been struggling with lately.

Yaowen, vitamin D has many benefits. It would not surpirse me if it benefited our immunity in the way you describe. Sunshine for everyone! (Within reason of course). If you cannot get outside there are supplements. You'll need to take it alongside calcium for proper absorption.

Thanks Blue!

[Blue_Bird]

Yes, it's definitely important to get exercise I live on the 3rd floor of an apartment building so I'm somewhat limited in what I can do without disturbing downstairs but I have been doing crunches, squats, stretching, and a little yoga. Luckily, there's a nice fenced off area in my apartment complex that has a bunch of benches and some tables so if I want to get some sun/vitamin D, I can just go out there and sit for awhile, without coming into contact with people

[TRNRMOM]

i'm 73 female, compulsive exerciser who's health club is now closed; i live in az. so there are plenty of mountains to climb, which includes sidewalks rather than rough hiking trails. fyi: on youtube there are thousands of videos for any type of workout, be it beginner thru hardcore, cardio, weights, etc. my fav. you tube is hasfit for any level; we've got to try to stay as healthy as possible during these difficult times and be creative!

[TRNRMOM]

i'm a 73 yr. old female who lives in az. where there are mountains to hike or concrete trails to walk on. since our health club is closed, hubby and i walk every morning; then we come home and do exercises either for beginners to hard cores, and there are cardio workouts or workouts with weights; our favorite is called has fit on youtube. we need to stay as healthy as we can during these difficult times; exercise also helps our mental health!

[fern46]

Originally Posted by Blue_Bird

Yes, it's definitely important to get exercise I live on the 3rd floor of an apartment building so I'm somewhat limited in what I can do without disturbing downstairs but I have been doing crunches, squats, stretching, and a little yoga. Luckily, there's a nice fenced off area in my apartment complex that has a bunch of benches and some tables so if I want to get some sun/vitamin D, I can just go out there and sit for awhile, without coming into contact with people

Hit me up if you want some links to some quiet cardio. I have found several helpful workouts done from a chair that make minimal noise. I started using them because I was injured and now I use them during my kid's nap times.

[Pookyl]

Can you pls put up some links to quiet cardio and low impact chair exercises (I seem to remember you mentioning them before).

[Blue_Bird]

Originally Posted by fern46

Hit me up if you want some links to some quiet cardio. I have found several helpful workouts done from a chair that make minimal noise. I started using them because I was injured and now I use them during my kid's nap times.

That would be great! Thanks

[~Christina]

Thanks for this Blue this is a good reminder !

[fern46]

Originally Posted by Blue_Bird

That would be great! Thanks

For you and Pookyl and anyone else who could benefit. Enjoy, and post any others you come across. I can always use some variety.

These two are low impact seated workouts

These are seated and more intense cardio workouts. No equipment needed

Seated cardio/strength - uses handweights or a heavy object

Targeted toning routines. 10 min or less. No equipment
Arms -

Hips and thighs -

Abs -

All fitness levels chair yoga

Seated cardio for seniors

You're welcome, everybody.

Thanks, fern, for sharing the exercises. I wish I could edit my initial post to link to your comment. Kinda frustrating that I can't update things after 3 hours...

Ooooooo! This is the perfect chance to finally get around to trying out some yoga! I've been bummed by my decreasing range of motion, and it's supposed to be helpful for that. I would always forget to check into it due to busyness. Good intentions got lost in the shuffle. Also, I'm determined to be more diligent with my physical therapy exercises.

Anyone have any particular yoga links they'd like to share? Nothing too intense, 57 year old newbie here, but chair seems a bit too tame for my physicality level, if that helps narrow the field.

Great thread idea, Blue!

If anyone wants some outdoor exercise I got a section of driveway left for ya to shovel

I'm getting my exercise in

[fern46]

Originally Posted by Innerzone

Ooooooo! This is the perfect chance to finally get around to trying out some yoga! I've been bummed by my decreasing range of motion, and it's supposed to be helpful for that. I would always forget to check into it due to busyness. Good intentions got lost in the shuffle. Also, I'm determined to be more diligent with my physical therapy exercises.

Anyone have any particular yoga links they'd like to share? Nothing too intense, 57 year old newbie here, but chair seems a bit too tame for my physicality level, if that helps narrow the field.

Great thread idea, Blue!

I like this instructor. This beginning video might be a bit less intense than what you need overall, but she breaks down the basics and teaches the proper alignment for each move which is key.

Her channel has tons of videos that focus on various things. Anxiety relief, building strength, adapting to change, focus, insecurity, etc. She also has play lists targeted at weight loss, pain relief, beginners, etc.

I've checked out a few of her videos and plan to do more. Most of the trainers I find are pretty energetic. I appeciate her calmness. It is grounding.