Using A Chair For Exercise

 

The other day when I was exercising, I realized that most of the time when people write about exercising, they do it from the point of view of being totally able.  I have a family member who is looks fine but cannot stand on his feet for long periods due to having his heels crushed during a severe accident.  In addition, I use DVD's a lot and there are more and more that offer either a version of exercise using a chair for one person or everyone is using a chair. 

For individuals with limited mobility or those seeking a convenient way to incorporate physical activity into their daily routine, chair exercises offer an effective and accessible alternative. Whether you're at home, in the office, or dealing with mobility issues, utilizing a chair as a workout tool can provide numerous health benefits.

Chair based exercise has some great benefits. It makes exercise accessible to everyone as chair exercises are inclusive and adaptable, catering to individuals with limited mobility, injuries, or those recovering from surgeries. In addition, if you have a day you are sore, this provides a nice alternative way of doing things. Furthermore, no special equipment is required; a sturdy chair is all you need. These exercises can be performed anywhere – at home, at work, or while traveling. 

Like normal exercising, regular practice of chair exercises can enhance flexibility, strengthen muscles, and improve balance and posture. It also provides a low-impact option that reduces stress on joints while still providing a challenging workout. Fortunately, there's a wide variety of exercises that can be done using a chair, targeting different muscle groups and offering a full-body workout.

Although I am able-bodied, I ended up with a DVD's for seniors that uses the chair. I found one routine that has you doing crunches on the chair and it was just as challenging as the crunches one does on the floor. I found it more comfortable because I have slight scoliosis in my spine and my tail bone is a bit more curves so it is often uncomfortable doing regular crunches. This provides a nice alternative.

In addition, I've also used chairs in certain routines in ways that made it easier for me. For instance, one is when you have your hands on the chair and you squat down in front of it and back up to exercise your arms. Another one I've done is using the chair as the base of a plank or as part of a pushup. It was nice not to get all the way down on the ground.

If you use a chair for your exercise routine, make sure the chair is sturdy, maintain proper posture as you exercise, start slowly and gradually increase the number of repetitions. and if you should feel pain, stop and check with a health professional.

Chair exercises offer an accessible and effective way to stay active and improve overall fitness. Whether you're looking to strengthen muscles, increase flexibility, or simply add more movement to your daily routine, these exercises can be tailored to suit your needs. They provide an opportunity for everyone to engage in physical activity, promoting a healthier lifestyle regardless of age or mobility constraints. Incorporating these simple yet impactful exercises into your daily routine can contribute significantly to your overall well-being and quality of life. So, grab a chair and start reaping the benefits of exercising right from your seat. Let me know what you think, I'd love to hear.