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Moving and exercise

Moving and exercise

You may find that as a result of being ill in hospital you feel achy or tired. This can occur after having a virus and from muscle loss a lot of time resting in a bed or chair. It is therefore important to try and rebuild muscles as soon as possible after an illness and being active will help you to do this.

What can you do to help yourself?

As you begin to recover, regular movement is key. Little and often is best.  So regularly standing up out of your chair and walking around your home is a good place to start. 

As you start to feel stronger a short walk outside may help to build up your muscles and lift your mood. You can increase how far you walk gradually as you start to feel stronger.

Reintroducing normal daily activities such as housework, gardening or cooking will help you regain strength and function.  The section which follows describes how best to pace your daily activities.

What about exercise?

Choosing an exercise you enjoy is important. Start by doing small amounts each day and build up gradually at a pace you feel comfortable. It may be helpful to keep an exercise diary to monitor your progress as this may encourage you to keep motivated and stay on track.

Your physiotherapist may provide an additional exercise sheet with more specific exercises if required.

Go to The Chartered Society of Physiotherapy (CSP) website for resources, which may help you to become as active as possible.

 

 

 

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