Watching television is a great way to spend a Friday night, especially when there are so many great shows to choose from. In fact, many conversations now start with, “Did you watch that new show on Netflix?” While it is fun to binge watch a television show, sitting for long periods of time can be detrimental to your health.
What if we told you that you can include physical activity while you watch your favorite show? Something as simple as stretching has significant long term health benefits. Stretching increases your heart rate, your circulation, and your range of motion. Also, stretching before exercise helps improve your overall performance and decreases your chance of injury.
Now it is time to turn on that TV! Make room near your television, enough room for you to be able to walk to the left and the right of you.
The Arthritis Foundation www.arthritis.org recommends some great full body exercises that keep the heart pumping. These dynamic exercises can be done in any order. Be sure to consult your physician before beginning any exercise program and stop exercising if you start to feel unwell.
- Sit-to-stand
- Leg figure eights
- Elevated mountain climbers
- Elevated push-ups
- Triceps dips
Need help getting started? An on-site or telehealth visit with a physical therapist can show you the safe way to exercise, the right number of repetitions, and how to progress the exercises correctly. Remember that all bodies are a little different – physical therapists teach what is right for YOU! Check us out on www.PT&Me.com to learn more and schedule an appointment.
Now the next time Netflix asks if you are still watching, you can confidently say yes without the guilt! Be sure to get up and move!
Arthritis Foundation. Full-body at home workout. Retrieved March 15, 2021 from https://www.arthritis.org/health-wellness/healthy-living/physical-activity/other-activities/park-bench-power-moves
Rabbit, M. 8 stretches you should do while watching TV to boost your health. Prevention.2017. Retrieved March 15, 2021 from https://www.prevention.com/fitness/a20432328/8-stretches-you-should-do-while-watching-tv-to-boost-your-health/
