ABC 7 Features VSI Groundbreaking Research to Improve Patient Safety.

Insights To Help Get You Back To Your Life.

About The Author

Share This Post

How to Exercise at Home During Winter Quarantine

Authored by Dr. Colin Haines, MD. December 18, 2020

The quarantine might keep us from frequenting our favorite gyms and fitness classes but now cold temperatures are tempting us to stay inside and hunker down. When it comes to our fitness – quarantines and bad weather are a recipe for a variety of health problems – some of them – pretty serious. So what are the risks of being a winter couch potato? And what are the four things we should be doing every day to make sure we stay fit and healthy? Dr. Colin Haines says we all need to “prioritize movement and figure out ways to gear up and get outside.” 

FOUR RISKS OF BEING INACTIVE DURING QUARANTINE: 

  1. Weight gain, which has been linked to cardiovascular disease and diabetes.
  2. Sitting on the couch too long causes increased joint stiffness and loss of range of motion.
  3. Muscle atrophy from disuse happens more quickly than we think and leads to more stress being placed on our spine and joints, leading to pain.
  4. Mobility is what gets vital nutrients to many of our joints, ligaments, and soft tissue structures that lack a good blood supply in order to keep them healthy. So if we are not active and mobile we run the risk of losing these vital nutrients.

FOUR EASY TIPS AND TRICKS TO STAY ACTIVE AT HOME DURING WINTER QUARANTINE:

  1. Take Advantage of the Great Outdoors  
    As the saying goes, there’s no such thing as bad weather, just bad gear. With cold temperatures, getting outside is still possible – and most importantly still safe with the right equipment. A warm coat, layers, hat, and gloves – even wool socks –  make going out for a run or a hike enjoyable. Ride a bike and get your heart pumping! Cardiovascular-type exercise is critical in burning calories, limbering up stiff joints, and improving your mental health.
  2. Rainy Day? Cardio Inside 
    What if it’s raining outside or you just want to be extra cautious and stay indoors to protect yourself from COVID-19? That’s ok – There is plenty of exercises you can do inside to get your heart rate up. Jumping jacks, running in place, burpees…all of these require no equipment and very little space to do. Time yourself and do as many as you can for a minute, rest for 15-30 seconds, and then do it again! You’ll be dripping in sweat in no time. Another great option is to jump rope. This is a simple piece of equipment that is very affordable that takes up very little space. Just make sure there is enough room overhead!
  3. Try Yoga
    Yoga has long been used to promote flexibility and resilience in the spine as well as a way to improve joint mobility and control. There are many styles and practices of yoga, from muscle building stability work to gentler forms where you focus on breathing and reducing stress. Classes come in all shapes and sizes with plenty of free resources online to get you started. One of my favorite free options is www.doyogawithme.com. You can also search on social media platforms like YouTube for videos that will walk you through forms and practices.
  4. Get Creative With Household Items
    In addition to getting the family involved it’s time to get creative with household items that can double as fitness equipment. You may have a few pieces of gym equipment at home such as dumbbells. Many weighted exercises that use big bulky machines at the gym can be done with a simple set of dumbbells. Don’t have these at home? Fill a suitcase or backpack with some books and use the handles to do curls, or hold it against your chest for goblet squats. Another solution is to buy a set of elastic resistance bands online. Most sets can be anchored over your door and come in a variety of resistances. This versatile set of equipment can give you the total gym experience in a small, easily storable bag.

This winter is surely unlike any other, but there are still plenty of ways to keep your activity levels high during the quarantine. Save these tips and let us know of any new options you come across in your at-home workouts!


Dr. Colin Haines is a board certified spine surgeon and the Director of Research at Virginia Spine Institute. Dr. Haines performed the world’s first combined endoscopic and robot-guided spine surgery. His patient success has earned him a national feature on The Today Show and WebMD, and Top Doctor recognition in consecutive years.. Learn more about Dr. Haines.

Schedule Your Consult

Schedule

Reviewed by: Dr. Colin Haines, MD.

Reviewed by: Dr. Colin Haines, MD.

About The Author

Dr. Colin Haines, MD

Share This Post

Other videos on this topic

Find out Why Patients are Traveling to Virginia Spine Institute to Get Their Life Back

Hear Why Patients Chose Virginia Spine Institute to Get Their Life Back

The Today Show Features Patient Who Found Relief to Chronic Pain at Virginia Spine Institute

As Seen on ABC News: Virginia Spine Institute Among 1st in the World to Perform Augmented Reality Surgery

As Seen On Good Morning Washington: Dr. Haines Discusses Working From Home Tips for Parents and Kids

Overcoming Back Pain: New Patient Process

Easy Home Exercises During Social Distancing [pregnant friendly]

Tips to Alleviate Back Pain While Working from Home

Low Back and SI Joint Pain Relief Series with Physical Therapist, Casey & Physician Assistant, Catherine!

Cardio/Core Challenge with Physical Therapist, Casey & Physician Assistant, Eileen!

The Risks of Waiting to Get Spine Treatment

As Seen on WUSA9: How to properly set up an at-home work station to avoid back pain

Common Reasons to Visit a Spine Surgeon

Dr. Schuler Provides Hope for Those Suffering With Back or Neck Pain.

What is Degenerative Disc Disease?

What is a Lumbar Spinal Fusion?

What is Flatback Syndrome?

Adult Scoliosis Treatments

What is Spinal Stenosis?

What is Spondylolisthesis?

What is Sciatica?

What is a Lumbar Disc Replacement?

Tips to Avoid Back Pain During the Winter Months

10th Annual We’ve Got Your Back Race

2013 We’ve Got Your Back Race Video

3 Most Common Causes of Back Pain

3 Ways to Keep Your Spine Healthy

Spinal Champion, Katie and the Hydroworx 300

Spinal Champion, Rita

Spinal Champion Omar’s Medical Diagnosis & Treatment

What is a Disc Herniation?

EMG for Diagnostic Testing

Sacroiliitis: Back Pain, Hip Pain, or Radiating Pain

What is Scoliosis?

Surgical Scoliosis Treatments

The Spine Surgery that Helped Tiger Woods Get Back on the Golf Course

We’ve Got Your Back Race 2016

When Is Spinal Surgery Necessary For Back or Neck Pain?

WUSA9’s ‘Great Day Washington’ on Regenerative Medicine