5 At-Home Exercises for COVID-19 Recovery

Due to COVID-19 pandemic, many of us have been spending more time at home, which has also changed the way that we exercise.

Especially for those recovering from COVID-19, their goals may have now changed from achieving personal records to prioritizing improvements in breathing muscles and building strength back up in arms and legs.

Below are five exercises that patients can do at home to help maximize recovery from COVID-19.

Sit to Stand

Start by standing close to the front of the chair. Lean forward at your trunk and reach forward with your arms. Try to rise to stand without using your hands to push off from the chair. Use your arms as a counter-balance by reaching forward when you approach sitting and lower them as you begin standing.

Standing March

While standing, raise up your knee, set it down and then switch to the other knee. If needed, use your arms for support by touching the back of the chair for balance and safety.

Wall Push

Start with arms extended with your hands on the wall and elbows straight. Slowly bend your elbows, lowering yourself towards the wall as your shoulder blades squeeze together. Then slowly push away from the wall. Keep your hands at the same level of your shoulders

Bilateral D2 Flexion

Start with your arms crossed at the front of your body, with your thumbs next to your opposite leg. Bring your arms up and across your body, opening up to turn your palms towards your face. End with your thumbs pointing backwards, then return your arms back to starting position and repeat.

Side Steps

Start in a neutral standing position. Take a lateral step to one side. Follow with your other leg, while maintaining balance and proper posture. Repeat for prescribed amount, then repeat on other side.