With the stay at home restrictions for most people there has to be some modifications to activity. The one that fitness people miss the most is going to the gym for a workout. I have mentioned several exercises and techniques that people can adapt while staying at home. This last week I saw a video on my Facebook page that showed a number of people attempting to work out at home. I have been a personal trainer for many years and for some reason overlooked the fact that there are a number of people that are not familiar with techniques necessary when lifting weights or pulling on exercise cables. You recognize them in a gym setting by the creative way they use a piece of exercise equipment.
When the beginning fitness people move from the gym to the home several things can go wrong. After watching the video a warning label should have been listed saying, “Caution: Exercising at Home May Be Hazardous to Your Health.” The surroundings in a home are not like the surroundings at a professional gym. The gym has very stable benches, strong cables on weights, space and floor coverings to lift, and equipment is extremely durable. Most furniture, and open space, in a home is not meant for an exercise room. After watching the video it was very evident to see that those exercisers are not familiar with many of the safety procedures needed to exercise safely.
Space is one basic consideration. Jumping rope instead of a treadmill workout for cardiorespiratory fitness needs adequate space. A minimum of 4 feet in front and back of you, and a good three feet over your head is necessary. A spinning rope can catch on lamp tables, lamps, overhead light fixtures, and chairs. Some throw rugs are OK for normal walking around the house, but are not sufficiently anchored for jumping jacks or "burpee" exercises.
