The answer is yes and no.
There are many reasons why people may want or need to exercise in bed. For instance:
You’ve had hip, knee or back surgery, and getting down or up from the floor is difficult or impossible. But it’s very important to continue exercising and stretching to fully recover.
You’re a senior with arthritis or balance issues. But exercising is necessary to keep you mobile and independent and keep those issues from getting worse.
You live alone and the thought of getting “stuck” on the floor is unappealing. But you know exercising is key to maintaining strength and mobility.
You’re staying in a hotel without a fitness center, and just looking at the carpet gives you the willies (ew). But you don’t want to miss your workout.
You live in a tiny apartment or dorm so floor space is practically non-existent. But you don’t always have time to go to the gym.
When you exercise on the floor, your dog thinks it's playtime, naptime or an excellent opportunity to lick your face!
Whatever the reason, most physical therapists and personal trainers will tell you that any workout is better than none at all. So, if you can’t get down and up from the floor, doing your exercises and stretches in bed might be a good alternative. Or is it?
Exercising in Bed Might Cause Injury
Most mattresses do not provide an effective exercise surface. As physiotherapist, Grant Hawley, says, “It’s much better to exercise on a flat, stable surface like a floor or mat. Your body needs to be in the correct position to avoid injury and target the right muscles.” Because a mattress is soft and “bouncy” it offers inadequate support and puts unnecessary strain on your back. This is especially true when you’re doing abdominal exercises – you want your core to work, not your lower back.
Many personal trainers agree, including Mark Patinson, who cautions, “Doing crunches and other exercises on a bed can be dangerous because you may not have enough support to keep your spine in alignment. Proper posture is important, so it’s not good for your back.”
The Solution is PhysioBoard
So, if you can’t exercise on the floor, or choose not to, and exercising on your bed is not ideal, what can you do? Try a PhysioBoard!
The PhysioBoard is a lightweight, yet sturdy surface that transforms any bed into an effective exercise surface. It was designed by a physical therapist in conjunction with an engineer to help people exercise and stretch on their beds with proper posture and alignment. The PhysioBoard weighs only 11 pounds, so it’s easy to place on the bed and remove when you’re done. And, unlike bulky exercise tables that take up valuable floor space, it can be stored behind a door, in a closet or under a bed. You can also travel with PhysioBoard.
PhysioBoard Can Transform the Way You Exercise
Marsha says: “I was seeing real improvement in my flexibility and mobility with physical therapy after my hip replacement surgery. But I couldn’t perform most of the exercises the therapist prescribed at home because I couldn’t get down and up from the floor. It was frustrating. When I got the PhysioBoard, it made it easy and safe to continue my exercises on my bed. By doing my exercises regularly, I have been pain free and much more active.”
Lawrence says: “For many years, I have had a daily routine at home involving core strengthening for my lower back and hamstrings. I've been using the PhysioBoard now for more than a year and I love it. It has transformed the way I exercise. It enables me to do my "floor" stretching exercises on a surface that is the optimum blend of comfort and firmness. It truly makes the daily routine of stretching and strengthening more effective and more enjoyable. It is lightweight but extremely durable.”
Which brings us back to the question of whether it’s okay to exercise in bed. Without support, the answer is no, but with a PhysioBoard the answer is a definite “yes!”