LEGS - ON MAT

​Before I start this exercise, which has proven to be very useful to both my legs, and my core/abdomen, but especially my affected right leg, I use the mat on the floor to do some of my arm exercises.

With the arm exercises first I lift my affected right arm over my head (with the assistance of Tom) and bring it back to my side. I do this 25 times, all the while holding my arm straight. This gives extra mobility to my affected right arm.

Then I hold my affected right arm straight up in the air for a count of (at least) 100. Then I move my right wrist around and move my right thumb and fingers to ensure movement and dexterity in my right hand, by myself. Now I am ready to move onto my legs!  The exercise I am emphasizing for you today addresses my affected leg and works the entire leg and, like I said, works both legs and the core.

INSTRUCTIONS

1. Lie flat on your back on the mat on the floor.
2. Bend one leg at the knee.
3. Raise the other leg up off the mat as high up as you can raise it comfortably.
4. Repeat 25 times.
5. Bend the other leg at the knee.
6. Raise the other leg up off the mat as high up as you can raise it comfortably.
7. Repeat 25 times.
8. Raise both legs up off the mat to your chest.
9. Repeat 25 times.
10. Repeat 2-9 again.

If you are just starting out - post-stroke - you will probably need someone to support your movement and help you when necessary. As I have said before, even if you have reached the point of physical independence after your stroke, it is still nice to have someone supporting you emotionally and mentally through these exercises.

​
​

---

Be sure to check out my Instagram at “poststrokepeg.”   God Bless, Peg

"It's not how far you fall, but how high you bounce that counts." ― Zig Ziglar

​