Familiarise yourself with the exercises in the previous blog “getting ready to be active”.
If you have muscle stiffness and reduced movement after a stroke or because of Parkinson’s, cerebral palsy a brain injury or other neurological condition regular small movements will help reduce discomfort from stiffness.
Priming the legs for standing up
Once you are feeling more alert and are more active in your body in sitting then firing up your legs in preparation for standing is a good idea. Firstly rub your thighs with your hands and then gently step one foot forwards a couple of inches and then back then the other foot forwards and then back. Do these small steps forwards with each foot five times and then take three or four really deep breaths in and out, making the out breath last for as long as you can.
Repeat five small steps forwards and backwards and then bring your nose forwards over your knees as far as you can. Keep your head up and choose a spot on the wall in front of you to keep looking at so that your head doesn’t drop down. Do this movement slowly three times. Repeat once more the five small steps forwards and backwards with your feet.
Now your body and legs are primed so that you are ready to get up and go. Before you get up check that your feet are level and hip width apart and focus your attention on your feet as you stand up.
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