Our lives have changed immensely in the past month. As social distancing has become the current norm, we've had to give up going to the gym, playing sports, competing in 5Ks, and other activities. Fortunately, you can stay active and still follow social distancing recommendations by making a few changes to your normal routine. Wearing supportive shoes while you exercise can help you avoid tendonitis, sprains, and other foot/ankle conditions treated by your podiatrist in Harrison and Mountain Home, AR, Dr. Eric Arp of Arp Foot and Ankle Clinic.

4 Ways to Stay Active

Following a few of these tips can help you stay in shape during the pandemic:

• Set Your Alarm Clock: You'll encounter fewer people running or walking in parks or in your neighborhood if you exercise earlier than normal. An early morning jog around the neighborhood will get your heart pumping and naturally help relieve stress and anxiety.
• Create Your Own Gym: Don't have a treadmill, stair stepper, or weights at home? You can still take advantage of the benefits of these types of workouts. Walk up and down your stairs a few times a day or run in place when you watch TV at night. Build up your muscles by lifting empty milk containers filled with water or performing planks, pullups, or pushups.
• Take a Turn on the Dance Floor: Pump up the music and practice your dance moves from the comfort of your living room. Dancing is an excellent way to get a little aerobic exercise and doesn't require any special equipment.
• Try a New Form of Exercise: If you're working from home, use the time you used to spend commuting to your Harrison or Mountain Home job to exercise. YouTube.com has thousands of exercise videos that can help you keep busy and active. Give Pilates or kickboxing a try, master tai chi, or embrace the benefits of Zumba.

Have you been experiencing foot or ankle issues? Schedule an appointment with your Mountain Home and Harrison, AR, podiatrist, Dr. Arp of Arp Foot and Ankle Clinic by calling (870) 365-3668 for the Harrison office or (870) 425-7363 for the Mountain Home office.