Resistance bands are useful in muscle strengthening after hospital stays.
The American Medical News reported in September 2008 that being in the hospital for just a few days can play a big part in muscle loss. A study conducted by St. Francis Xavier University in January 2009 found that people in the hospital can lose between 2 and 3 lbs of muscle mass a day. Called "deconditioning," this is a common problem, especially for elderly patients.
Instructions
1. Talk to a doctor about starting an exercise rehabilitation program, an important step before starting an exercise routine, especially if you have had an extended hospital stay. Your doctor will often recommend additional exercises for you to perform.
2. Exercise each muscle group at least two times a week after a hospital stay. Focus on exercises that use the full range of the muscles in each muscle group such as wall push-ups, shoulder presses, abdominal crunches and squats. Your movement might be restricted at first, but exercise, even with small movements, is beneficial. As your range of motion increases, increase the number of reps you do.
3. Use resistance bands to increase the pull on the muscles during exercise. Resistance bands work against muscles without adding extra weight that might strain them in the early stages of rehabilitation. The bands are available in different elasticities--from very pliant to very rigid. Start with a pliant band and work your way toward more resistance.
4. Add weight to your workout. Slowly begin to add--then increase--the amount of weight used in your workouts. You can use ankle and wrist weights or even cans of soup at home. If you go to a gym, use the smallest of the incremental weights on the machines, then move up as needed.
Tags: after hospital, each muscle, each muscle group, hospital stay, muscle group