I recently wrote a News post highlighting the best forms of outdoor exercise so I thought it might be helpful as a Bristol osteopath to outline some of the best indoor exercises to try during the current 2021 lockdown, as we’ve been experiencing some harsh Winter weather.

Some of you are also self-isolating, so there's been an increased need for indoor exercise in Bristol and beyond through this Covid-19 lockdown.

Many people have exercise bikes and indoor gym equipment at homes these days, particularly with the last 12 months living with Covid-19, but for those without there are some great alternatives which are just as effective.

Here are some of ideas for indoor exercises to utilize during the 2021 lockdown in Bristol from my Henleaze-based osteopathy clinic:

Floor exercises

‘Work your core on the floor’ in lockdown. There are loads of floor-based core exercises including bridges, planks, abdominal exercising, press-ups, dips on a chair and many more. If you are not sure then get online or ask a PT.

Online classes

Zoom and YouTube are great resources for online classes, and in my opinion as a leading Bristol osteopath, getting online is the best way to access a massive variety of indoor classes for all fitness levels and ages, from gentle, low impact exercise to high intensity, high impact exercise classes.

Get flexible and improve stability

Flexibility and stability are two key elements to having a healthy, injury-free body. A great way to achieve both is through body control classes. Yoga, as demonstrated by my daughter Effie in the picture above, pilates, and other body balance classes are great for this, and most instructors are now offering online classes as a result of the impact of Covid-19 lockdowns.

Try dancing!

Online dancing classes can improve health and well-being on both a physical and mental level. Alternatively, you may be more comfortable just having a good boogie with the family to relieve lockdown angst. Sophie Ellis-Bextor's Kitchen Discos have been a fantastic inspiration for many in lockdown. Check out some of her top tracks here.

Better breathing

In our stress-filled world, it's really important to relax, breath, and wind down. As an experienced osteopath in Bristol, I recommend and prescribe relaxation, breathing exercises, meditation and mindfulness. Again, there are many online classes, podcasts and DIY options here. A calm and rested body is also a healthy, happy body.

Stay safe

Staying safe and avoiding injury whilst taking part in indoor exercise is critical. Try not to push your body beyond its limits. Always start gently and build up over time. Warm up and gently stretch when the body is warm.

I wrote a News post here all about how to avoid injuries when exercising which has some useful tips.

Have fun!

One of the other considerations when trying out indoor exercise during lockdown is to have fun. During these testing times, we all need to be able to relax, unwind, exercise, spend quality time with our loved ones, and have fun.

Bonus tip

When you feel more comfortable to get outdoors, but want to be careful with frosty, icy or slippery conditions, why not read this News post which outlines the benefits of gentle exercise.

My Bristol osteopathy clinic is fully open so if you’re looking for Covid-safe osteopathic treatments during the current lockdown, please read this news post to find out about the measures in place at my Henleaze osteopathy clinic for all patients.

To find out more about the full range of Covid-secure osteopathic treatments that I’m providing in Bristol, please visit here for details.