Hope Everyone is doing well, stay safe all

Hi MelF,

Sorry that you were confronted by people who were unaware of the need for you to use the disability car park.  I'm sorry those comments interrupted your day.

Now on the other hand - what am I doing to at home during isolation - floor yoga on YouTube. The classes are free.  The Yoga I like is the long stretchy sort - Yin Yoga.  I've been yogaing for a while now so it's a practice I really enjoy. EnableMe have a PodCast on Yoga.

I live regionally so am able to get out walking every day.

I'm also exercising my mind by watching free talks on mindfulness in this current world situation on YouTube by Jon Kabbit-Zin.  Again I have practised mindfulness for years and I do call it an exercise.

I've been part of a zoom dance party - my privacy was important to me so I made sure my face was not really seen.

I've also become part of the AAA (Australian Aphasia Association) Tuesday zoom meetings  (found the link via their Facebook Page).  Today we began the session of with some exercise facilitated by one of the members who is a stroke survivor.  The exercises were all chair based and Ange did a great job of explaining them to us.

And yes, checking in on others and even seeing people like yourself ask what others are doing, and having a safe space to let out some frustration at your experience over the disabled car park.  Sigh . Again sorry for that.

Stay well :-)

Sue

Hi MelF

It’s so great that you have been so positive, able to travel, lose weight and drive again. These are such huge achievements! You handled the situation regarding disability parking well.

You ask a great question in terms of exercise in isolation. Sue offers some great suggestions; yoga is great and I would recommend this also. Going for walks or a light jog is a great way to exercise and a good way to clear the head.

Here is a list of exercises that can be done in the home. If you are unsure about these exercises, or have a pre-existing medical condition, please get help from a health professional. At the moment, physiotherapists/ exercise physiologists may be using telehealth. They can guide you as to whether the exercise is appropriate for you. Think about your safety with exercising at home. Have a bench or a sturdy chair near you to hold if you need. And remember, listen to your body! Exercise shouldn’t be painful. You may feel your muscles working but stop if you are feeling pain.

Exercises to get the heart rate up

These should get the heart rate up, which makes them great for stroke prevention.  They are low impact too.

Try these for 30 sec to a minute. Increase the number you do during this time to increase your heart rate. Do 2 sets.

• Sitting down and standing up from a chair
• Step ups/ down
• Side step to the right and left. Or side step and squat
• Punching the air forwards. Or punch forwards using a 1 kg weight
• Arms outstretched to the side. Move them in circles
• Marching on the spot. Or High knee marching.

OTHER EXERCISES

Fun exercises:

• Dance class online
• Make shift golf
• Ring toss

With kids:

• Keeping a balloon off the ground can be fun and can actually get the heart rate going!
• Throwing and catching
• (Just chasing after kids will probably be enough exercise to last the isolation period!)

It’s also great to incorporate stretching into you daily routine to ensure that you don’t develop unwanted tightness in muscles or stress to different areas of the body.

Also… think creatively about using what you have at home instead of buying lots of equipment.

Instead of buying 1 kg weights, use some rice in a jar or a backpack with books to add weight for marching/step ups.

If you would like some more tips, don’t hesitate to talk to us on StrokeLine 1800 787 653

Warm regards,

Kath (StrokeLine)

Hi Meif

Sorry about the situations re the parking bays, I've had the same situations and decide which battles I'm willing to deal with depending on how I am at the time.
I have been lucky with my exercise as my pilates instructor is conducting sessions via zoom which has been great. I also have an exercise bike but I think the dust that accumulates on it is indicative of me not using it enough. I'm also trying to walk more often but there's been a number of days where it's just been too windy. 
I've also been enjoying this time as I have found I have more time for my art so taht has been a positive.
Take care

Toni