Build movement that fits your life.
Explore the main types of exercise used for everyday function and fitness. Dr. Lenny can help choose a starting point and adapt movement to your home, health and goals.
This is a guide to exercise categories. Your personal plan determines the exercises, support, repetitions and progression that suit you.
Find an exercise type
Chair rises and transfers
Practice for getting out of a chair, toilet or bed. A therapist may adjust seat height, hand support and assistance before increasing the challenge. The starting version should match your balance and ability to bear weight.
Walking and endurance
Walking, cycling or another suitable aerobic activity can support endurance. Start from your current tolerance and build gradually. The route, walking aid, pace and rest breaks can be adjusted to make the activity practical.
Supported balance
Balance practice may include weight shifts, stepping and turning near secure support. The task and level of supervision depend on falls risk. Avoid copying advanced balance challenges, particularly if you have dizziness or recent falls.
Hip and knee strength
Examples include suitable chair rises, step work and resistance exercises. The goal may be easier stairs or steadier walking. Range, resistance and support are chosen around symptoms, joint health and any surgical restrictions.
Shoulder and arm strength
Reaching, pushing, pulling and carrying are useful movement patterns. Exercises may use light resistance or adapted positions. Following a fracture or operation, loading starts only when permitted by the treating clinician.
Mobility and flexibility
Comfortable joint movement and appropriate stretches can support daily activities. Choose a range that suits your symptoms and restrictions. A stretch should not be forced through sharp pain, and more range is not always the right goal.
Fitness progression
A balanced fitness plan includes aerobic activity and muscle strengthening; older adults also benefit from balance activity. Progress one element at a time, such as duration or resistance. The right starting level depends on health, experience and goals.
Pacing and recovery
A useful plan fits your week and allows recovery. Activity can be broken into shorter periods. Adjust the workload when symptoms or fatigue interfere with function, and discuss persistent changes with your clinician.
Learn more
The activity overview is checked against CDC guidance. Exercise selection after injury or surgery follows the relevant clinical advice and restrictions. The links below offer additional learning.
Using videos and exercise libraries
Use demonstrations to understand movement, then choose the version agreed with your therapist. The personal fitness clips on this site show Dr. Lenny’s training; they are not automatically suitable as rehabilitation exercises.
Stop exercise and seek medical help for chest pain, fainting or severe unexpected shortness of breath. New or worsening symptoms should be assessed before you increase the workload.
See Dr. Lenny’s movement and exercise videos
Want a personal fitness or movement plan at home? Call or text me to discuss your goals, location and visit availability.
