All Legs

Commercial breaks are an ideal time to strengthen those legs.

Here are three exercises to do from the comfort of your chair:

1. Legs straight out. Alternate pressing your legs into the chair. Hold for he count of ten, or longer. Release. Repeat. (When I do this, I feel it primarily in my gluteal muscles and hamstrings. You?)
2. Take a ball or a puffy pillow and place it between your legs. Squeeze tightly for the count of ten, or longer. Release. Repeat. (You’re working your adductors.)
3. Legs out straight. Press one leg against the side of the chair for the count of ten, or longer. Release. Repeat. (Now,the abductors are getting a workout.)

Image courtesy of Petr Kovar.

Armed

When I am  in situ in my favourite chair – a.k.a. command centre -  I like to do a few strengthening exercises; especially since recent events have forced me to curtail some of my normal activities. 

1. With my arm at 90 degrees, palm turned inwards, I press against the side of the chair. Hold for 10*. Release. Repeat.
2. Shoulders down. Arms at 90 degrees, I press my upper arm back into the chair. Hold for 10*. Release. Repeat.
3. My forearm is placed along the arm rest.  Press down and hold for 10*. Release. Repeat.

* I increase the intensity by holding for longer.

While someone with fully functioning joints may question the validity of these light exercises, they are important to maintain and preserve function.

Image courtesy of Sandi Baker.