Pretty cheesy. Made you look. It’s dark. It’s cold. The days run together during what is a holiday season for many, a stressful season for many, now marked by uncertainty re the Omicron variant, ramped up flu season, amongst the usual stressors of the season. We are still, many of us, staying close to home, pacing the halls, lamenting over photos of beaches. Let’s roll out some simple, home-based exercises.
First, a word about Omicron and any and all variants. The virus, this collection of genetic information, is constantly bobbing and weaving and bouncing like a boxer trying to keep its feet. Thus, there will be variants. However, over time, the selection will favor a variety that may hope to co-exist, and will render the morbidity and mortality, hopefully, less.
We are not there. But, there is no evidence that this current iteration is a more harmful actor. Continue the usual precautions. Please consider your booster, as it has been demonstrated to be protective.
Now, let’s think squats. Why squats? They are a comprehensive exercise that utilizes major muscle groups, helps with core strength, balance, stability, proprioception. Also, larger muscles burn more fuel. Squats may be done anytime, anywhere. They may be dressed up as exotic one-legged affairs or simplified into partial range-of-motion, as situations dictate.
Here is a version (also posted on Facebook earlier): position yourself in a doorway. Use your hands to establish a secure position within the frame. If you are able, stand on one leg only. Now, allow your hands to assume some of your body weight by leaning back. Good. Now, lower yourself into a squat on the one leg until you are near parallel. Pause a second, come up in a controlled fashion, minimizing bounce. Repeat this at least 10 times. Switch legs. Rest. Repeat the set 2-5 times. Over time, increase your reps and sets. This is an excellent exercise requiring nothing other than yourself and a doorframe.
At ease.
Please reach out anytime. We want to assist you however you made need.
As always, be well.