The next big thing is desk exercise equipment

We're well into the global coronacrisis. We've survived being confined to home, taking business activities completely online, travel bans and a major baking craze. By now, we should be used to our 'new normal'. Unfortunately that is not the case.

It's a struggle to add routine and structure to our days. The constant overload of information leads to further fatigue. On top of that, we aren't getting enough movement.

Quite the depressing scenario being painted at the moment.

That brings me to the point of this blogging series. I'm a physiotherapist with a passion for helping people and more specifically improving the vitality of employees to work in an efficient and pain-free way.

In order to combat pain or lapse of focus during the day, it's important to get enough movement. More specifically we should be doing more strength training. In fact, recently the WHO adapted their guidelines to include two sessions of strength training per week. Researchers noticed that the general population is aging faster because of insufficient muscle mass brought on by sedentary behaviour (see Instagram for more information).

Getting back to the stark situation that we face at the moment, juggling a life at home can be challenging and near impossible to get to the gym.

Understanding these limitations, I have suggestions to resolve this problem. Firstly, move more frequently. By moving every 45 minutes it reduces pain and improves mental sharpness. Secondly, gradually build up an arsenal of simple, cheap exercise equipment that's visible while working. Think of dumbbells, an exercise band, foam roller etc. When it's visible, it's a call to action.

Here is my part to ensure your success: I'll be using all my physiotherapy creative energy to give you the best ideas to use this equipment on a daily basis to improve not only strength but mobility and sensory awareness as well.

Although it doesn't taste as good as freshly baked sourdough bread, I do hope this is a craze you'll be willing to buy into. The benefits are numerous, the investment is small and the changes can be big.