Get a Move On!
At NY Foot Health, we know that the coronavirus pandemic has families staying home, and school has taken on a whole new format. While we recognize that can be stressful, it’s also an opportunity to explore new ways of learning together. And, think how excited your children will be if you tell them you are going to have a longer gym class?! Staying physically fit benefits your feet and the rest of your body. It helps maintain flexibility and a healthy weight and reduces the risk of many diseases, such as diabetes and hypertension. Of particular importance, at this trying time, is that exercise reduces stress. So, make fitness a fun, family affair.
Start in the “Classroom”
What are your kids’ favorite sports? Go online and learn about the history, conditioning strategies and famous players in the sport of choice. Spend some time on general fitness information too. Learn about the importance of warmups and stretching, proper shoes, equipment and other basics.
Work it Out
Consider ways to adapt fitness activities into your home or apartment setting. Some possibilities include:
Circuit Training—set up different fitness stations in various rooms. Lunges in the hallway, crunches and push ups in the family room, arm circles in the bedroom, etc. Set a timer and start each family member in a different room. When the timer sounds, move to the next station.
Five-Minute Fitness Breaks—take a break every half hour or hour from schoolwork for a flash fitness break. It can take the form of jumping jacks, jumping rope or a mini-dance party.
Use What You’ve Got—want to explore weight training? Use water bottles and increase weight with more water. (Canned goods work too!) You can use stairs for stepping, or if you don’t have any, try a thick book on the floor, and step up and down.
Clean it Up—here’s a way to kill two birds with one stone: enlist your kids in a speed cleaning contest. Vacuuming, wiping down counters and surfaces, and putting away toys and clothes can burn calories and help keep your home as tidy as possible.
It’s all too easy to turn into a couch potato when stuck at home. Keeping your family active will create some healthy fun for everyone.
If you or any family members experience foot pain when exercising, contact your podiatrist. If you need to locate one in your area, use our online directory. For more information on podiatric health, contact us.