As I write this blog post, we are in the middle of a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic. As we watch this COVID19 virus spread across America, we all have fears and anxiety about how this will affect ourselves and our loved ones. As of a few days ago, the Mayor of Austin has released a “Shelter in Place” order for our community.
Here at Natural Fit Therapy we are in a tough position, balancing the physical needs of our clients and the risk of spreading the virus. If you are part of our Natural Fit Community, you already know we specialize in treating older adults; and these older adults are the ones that pose the high-est risk to have serious complications if infected with the virus.
At this time, as essential healthcare providers, Natural Fit Therapy has decided to continue both our Outpatient Clinic, located in Northwest Austin, as well as our mobile team that serves older adults in senior living facilities. Natural Fit Therapy is taking this situation very seriously and we are taking extreme caution to protect our clients from the spread of this virus., including wearing protective equipment, taking temperatures daily for staff and clients, and fol-lowing all CDC and WHO guidelines. You can read more about the preventative steps Natural Fit Therapy is taking at
https://naturalfittherapy.com/coronavirus/ .
Most of you are stuck at home due to regulations, or just for your own safety to reduce exposure. Some of you living in senior living facilities are limited to your apartment, not allowed to eat in the dining room, or in some cases, not allowed to walk the hallways or even take your trash out. All social activities have been cancelled and all exercise classes and gyms are closed. I want to take some time and highlight some unintended concerns/consequences from all these restrictive safety measures. This article is not to criticize the aggressive restrictions that have been placed to protect us. In fact, I think they are 100% necessary. However, what people may or may not realize is the negative effects this could have on our bodies. We are all stuck in our homes or apartments and are not getting nearly enough activity and exercise. You are not allowed to walk the hallways of your apartment; exercise classes are cancelled, and gyms are closed. If you have been following my articles and presentations in the past, you are familiar with the term, “USE IT OR LOSE IT.” We know that most Americans, especially older adults, do not get their recommended amount of exercise to stay healthy, active and independent. Imagine now that we are all locked up. Many people will suffer significant muscle and strength loss during these times that may in-crease their risk for falls and other long-term issues. So, if exercise classes are cancelled and gyms are closed, what are your options? Well, at Natural Fit Therapy our mission is to help people to stay healthy, active and independent.
In order for Natural Fit Therapy to fulfill that promise we have created a few options for people that are concerned about their exposure to this COVID-19 virus.
- As essential Health Care providers we are still open. We are taking extreme measures to prevent the spread of the virus, including wearing protective masks and gloves, taking staff and client temperatures, and vigorously cleaning all our equipment. You can read more about our preventative measures at
https://naturalfittherapy.com/coronavirus/ . It is vital that you maintain your strength and balance during this time and prevent any loss to your independence. Not to mention, back and knee pain don’t go away just because the corona-virus is here. If you are a past client or a new client and you’re not sure if you should be taking the risk, please call us and we can help you weigh your options. Give us a call at 512-731-0231. - Home Visits- For many of you that live in our partnered senior facilities, you already have the luxury of home visits from our awesome therapy team at Natural Fit Therapy. We are expanding that offer to residents in North Austin, Cedar Park and surrounding areas. If you are worried about leaving your home and coming into a clinic, despite our extreme pre-cautionary measures, it is even less risk to have your therapist come to your home.
- If you are nervous about your exposure and are in the extremely high-risk category, we have one more option for you.
We have been working very hard over the last week, and we have launched our online exercise videos and virtual wellness membership.
For our online exercise videos, we have a created 4 pre-recorded videos focusing on Balance, Strengthening, Pilates Mat and Pilates Chair. These videos are around 30 minutes each, and were made so our community can stay healthy, active and independent during this lock-down. We are for a limited time offering one FREE exercise video (a $49 value), as well as all 4 for only $100 (a $200 value). To claim your one FREE video or to buy all 4, click the link below.
https://naturalfittherapy.com/online-wellness
For our online wellness program, all you need is a computer or a smartphone and an internet connection. Our team will help guide you through exercises you should be doing on either an individual basis or group setting. This membership is only $75 per month and you will receive with it 4 virtual classes, a 30 minute consultation with one of our physical therapists ($100) and all 4 of our pre-recorded exercise videos ($200).
To sign up for our online wellness membership, call us at 512-730-0231
Online classes in my opinion will never be as effective as in person help from our awe-some team, but this is a great way to maintain your current level of strength and independence while we wait for this whole thing to pass over, and even after if you’re someone who has trouble getting out of the house. We know everyone is very nervous and worried during these uncertain times, however I want you to take a second and think about the near future for a moment: What do you love to do? Is it walking, shopping with family, playing tennis or golf? What if you couldn’t do those things in a few months once this all clears up? Whatever option you chose, make sure you do something. If we spend these weeks or months sitting all day watching the news or your favorite soap opera replays, then we are going to lose strength and independence. Where do you want to be when this all blows over? What do you want to be able to do when this is all over? Don’t be one of the thousands of people that in three months wishes they would have done some-thing more to stay healthy, active and independent.
If you have any questions about how you can stay healthy, active and independent during these times please call us at 512-730-0231 and we can have a friendly, no pressure conversation about what you should be doing and what option is best for you.
Remember: wash your hands, be kind to one another, and stay healthy, active and independent.
