Most people know that exercise is good for them. This is the reason why gyms are so popular. If your client is in reasonable health, there is no reason why they should not enjoy an exercise routine. There are, however, some points to keep in mind when doing this.
How much exercise is good?
Before you adopt any exercise programme with your client you should first speak to the GP. You need to be sure that your client is allowed to exercise, and you should also ask the doctor how much exercise you can do.
The idea of exercise is to get those arms and legs moving, not so that your client can run a marathon. Your client needs to be moving at a pace which is comfortable but not making them breathless.
Make sure that your client stops frequently for water and to catch their breath, and never force them to continue if they ask to stop.
There are many medications which will leave people dizzy and unbalanced, so starting an exercise programme which involves standing or moving around will not be a good idea.
Other medication makes people feel sleepy and even sick so moving rapidly may not be the best idea.
There are excellent exercises which you can do with your client as he or she is sitting down. Have them sit on a dining room chair instead of the comfy couch where they sink right down. Make sure that the feet are firmly on the floor.
If your client tends to be a little wobbly then use a chair that has arms for extra support.
Aim for a few minutes of exercise when you first start and then work up to around ten minutes. This will of course, depend on the health condition your client has and may be far shorter if there are mental issues.
Some clients may not be able to focus for longer than a few minutes at a time so you could spread any exercising out over the course of the day.
What types of exercise can you do?
Seated on a chair, you can ask your client to lift one leg at a time. This can be done a little faster so that they are marching on the spot.
Sticking one leg out forwards and returning it to the floor, then repeating with the other leg will build extra muscle in legs as well as strengthen the tummy muscles.
As you sit in front of your client have then reach out with one arm at a time and touch your hands. They can also punch your hands one arm at a time.
Reaching up into the air with one arm at a time is another exercise to do. If you have a small ball, then have your client transfer it from one hand to the other and back again. This will improve co-ordination.
To sum up
Keeping mobile is very good for your client, although you must be sure that they are able to do exercise. You should consult the doctor to confirm this.
If you are looking for other exercises, the best person to talk to is the Occupational Therapist. Your District Nurse can put you in touch with her.
Never start a programme unless you know your client is allowed to do it, and then start off slowly and gently, only progressing if they can manage. Never push your client to do exercises that may be too hard for them and always stop if they get breathless.
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