20 Minute, Real Time Seated Workout to Improve Leg Strength After Stroke

You all asked for a leg exercise video so I’m here to deliver! This video covers 8 seated exercises that are aimed at improving leg strength and range of motion after stroke. I show you modifications for most of the exercises, in case you either need to slow things down or you’re up for a challenge. Use this real-time, 20-minute workout video to come back to daily or every other day to keep your recovery journey progressing at home!
What You’ll Need:
A kitchen or bath towel
A small pillow
20 minutes
Willingness to work out with me!
Sign up for the email list to get tips and motivation, as well as my free eBook, The Stroke Recovery Pocket Guide: post-stroke.org/links
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Twitter: / poststrokeorg
Time Stamps
0:00 Intro
0:37 Seated Marches
2:40 Thigh Squeezes/Hip Adduction
5:36 Thighs Out/Hip Abduction
8:20 Hip Rotation
11:14 Knee Extension/Flexion
13:56 Seated Calf Raises
15:56 Toe Raises/Ankle Dorsiflexion
18:22 Chair Push-ups
22:46 Outro
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Medical Disclaimer: All content on this channel is for general informational purposes only. It is not intended to serve as a substitute for medical advice or treatment from a physician or qualified healthcare provider. Talk to your doctor before starting a new exercise or therapy regimen.

[@commonsensemom6102]

I'm so glad I found your channel! I'm post-stroke 3 mos and physical therapy says there's nothing more they can do, they say insurance won't approve more visits, and the re-evaluation therapist says she's never heard of anyone who's had a stroke having spasticity (treating me like I made it up - and how could I when I never knew the word until I saw your channel? All I knew were the symptoms of hard tingling and muscles cramping). Thank you for giving me more therapy to do to help me heal. My left side was affected and while I can now move my limbs, the pain and tingling muscle cramps from my shoulder/chest to my feet make it difficult to exercise. Your videos are a God-send! Thanks for caring! I have some hope now that I can continue to heal. (Btw, I didn't do any of these exercises in physical therapy!)

[@ma.cristinaceles3710]

Thank you Dr Elyse I always follow your different exercises and it gives me strength and good condition as a stroke patient it's very useful.

[@novainsorio3734]

Yvstroke is hard to recover its beeb 1yr and a halfcsince my daughter got stroke iscthid hard to recover at all

[@poojahm120]

Thank you so much for sharing the above video. Added these exercises to my routine. Feeling much better Thank you. ❤❤❤❤

[@poojahm120]

Please suggest an exercise to overcome the spasticity. I am on tablets for the same

[@marziaserena4247]

Thank you so much, Dr Elyse! It’s so good to be able to follow you while doing the exercises, it helps me a lot. 🙂

[@abbybagchi5654]

Thank you so much for your advice 👍

[@user-np3io3rf5o]

Thank you dr elyse your videos really help me with my mom , i do it for her every day 3 times a day , i really used from the the arm and hand , trunk and core , and now this video so really thank u for what you do dr elyse .

[@PostStrokeOrg]

You are so welcome! Thank you so much for your kind words. I hope both you and your mother are well. And I hope she is doing well in her recovery!

[@marlonnecitosrtano3504]

Thank you so much ❤️ it helps a lot for my recovery

[@mrstevek118]

Thanks doc, you always give me new ideas to to be moving and get stronger ❤️

[@PostStrokeOrg]

❤️😊

[@janakiramp5669]

Great job thanks a lot

[@CBasimaliquadery]

Thanks Dr, ur exercise is so effective really, carry on, love you

[@waynevasquez7197]

Thank you, Dr. Elyse, I am a first timer and your exercises are great.

[@ganeshsawant1654]

Your videoes r helping me. Thanks alot!

[@PostStrokeOrg]

So glad to hear it 🙂

[@brooketurner3802]

Hi! So my profile shows my daughter - lol, but I am 42 & am recovering from total knee replacement surgery (3 weeks tomorrow). Thank you for providing me a great at home PT program to follow!!!

[@PostStrokeOrg]

Hi! So glad you found my channel. I hope you are recovering well and taking care of yourself ❤️

[@frankadams9644]

thank you

[@poojahm120]

Thank you so much Dr .Elyse , the way you have both briefed and showed how to go about doing the exercise is awesome . With a nice smile. This really motivates any person to go about the exercise. Have a feel good factor that yes we can get fit.

[@PostStrokeOrg]

Thank you for the kind words! I'm glad you find them helpful 🙂

[@MalouMarquez]

​Ii Dr no

[@huseinalghazali8148]

Thank you so much DR Elyse 👍🙏👍

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@huseinalghazali, You are so welcome!

[@utotmoblue6709]

Watching here in Philippines🇵🇭 I liked your workouts and it helped me a lot as a stroke patient ... Thanks

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@utotmoue, hi there! Thanks so much for your kind words. I’m really glad you’re finding them helpful❤️

[@jhot0817]

Always a real pleasure to watch your videos. 🌹🌷🌺🌷

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@josuevicera, I'm glad to hear it!

[@paulinematthison721]

I like these exercises for the legs they not too changing. Thank u blessings

[@elmermuceros5893]

Thanks

[@valerielambert-reed5418]

Thank you 😊

[@PostStrokeOrg]

You're welcome 😊

[@deion423]

Thanks love your exercises it is very helpful for me

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@vernardwaldrop, I'm so glad! 😊

[@deion423]

@@PostStrokeOrg I had a stroke 3 yrs ago so your videos have been helping me alot

[@antonyraj4288]

Thanks doctor

[@PostStrokeOrg]

So welcome!

[@zuzu7981]

Thank you for this video, how can I make the ankle raises more challenging so that I can strengthen those front muscles more as my back calf muscles are more dominant at the moment. Thank you

[@sshibad]

thanks god bless your

[@dhejashree.b6335]

Dr.Mam thank you so much, like it very much

[@PostStrokeOrg]

So welcome! Glad you found it helpful☺️

[@akbarchamdawala1183]

Thanks doctor great I am from India God bless you

[@asifpaul1236]

super

[@marjorietuck9324]

Thank You So Much!! ❤ MarJie Australia.

[@PostStrokeOrg]

You are so welcome

[@chriscalvera3863]

I like your show I had stroke 8 month half if my body is it starting to work again ty

[@PostStrokeOrg]

Thank you! And I’m so glad to hear that you’re making progress! 😊

[@gorgan1010]

i love your exsercises,thank you ..

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@mikenelson, You're so welcome! I'm glad they're helping you 😊

[@olusojioduyelu5829]

I can't raise up my right toes, I tried the exercise, but will still continue. Thanks Dr.

[@cookshookwiths.k8967]

Thanks Dr. I am From India your All video to great help to our recovery 👏👏👏

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@cookshookwiths.k. I'm so happy to hear it❤️

[@skiing101]

Dr Elyse, which video of yours would you recommend for complete arm and near-complete leg paralysis? Where to start? I have watched the meditation one already. Thank you.

[@sharinNZ]

I have walking imbalance, above exercise is very helpful

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@sharinsheth, I'm really glad to hear that it's helping you!

[@sahilrajput2541]

Mam please make a video to break synergies or abnormal tightness both limbs.

[@khaledabdelhak4393]

Good thanks

[@PostStrokeOrg]

u/khaledabdelhak You're very welcome!

[@khaledabdelhak4393]

Thanks

[@saifislam9583]

Its very helpful for my stroke

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@saifislam, I'm really glad to hear it!

[@barbarayoung2376]

I really like this site I had two strokes after having Astra Zenica injection and it has affected my right leg from the hip down my foot is pointed to the right I cannot kick or flick and my leg is heavy and Sticks to the floor help me please

[@user-cf1go3el1n]

GM Exercises were very excellent, do you have any exercises for your face tingling. Thank you

[@PostStrokeOrg]

Thanks so much! I don't currently have exercises for face tingling, just for facial symmetry: kzbin.info/www/bejne/bXqWeGdna72am9k

[@user-ji6zu5ek6f]

These exercises are good for neuropothy and foot drop

[@evelynvasquez9982]

Thank you for your videos , but in this video you said turn in and out ankle or bend my feet i can’t because is stiff, ? My left side is affected , thank you

[@fifthavenuegirl]

i want functional recovery of left hand - currently 5 mo post stroke had horrendous care but doing exercises daily athome can this still help

[@user-ji6zu5ek6f]

I am using these exercises for CMT. Are these excercises effective for CMT?

[@brooketurner3802]

Random question: I LOVE your shoes. They look supportive & comfortable. Will you please share what brand they are? What they’re called? Thank you!!!

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@brooketurner, Thanks so much! I love them. I actually got them off of Ebay because I'm frugal haha but I believe they are in the Timberland Smart line. Here's a link to a red pair on Poshmark: poshmark.com/listing/TIMBERLAND-SMART-red-Davisville-slip-on-loafers-womens-85-medium-62a3d8bafbc604acdb53d13b#

[@victorjunevelasco4820]

Your exercises are very good to follow..

[@kpopQT]

how can we do that if i cant lift my legs yet?

[@user-gb1gn7mh5q]

Hi, young Lady, nice video! I would like to ask:Are these exercises appropriate as well to fight against a so-called "heavy leg"? Just answer me please:"Yes" or "No". Thanks in advance!!

[@janicemarino1201]

I have drop foot, but can raise my foot a bit. I wear an afo. My toes curl under when I put weight on my leg (they are not curled when sitting). Your suggestions please. I am 1 year out from my stroke

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@janicemarino, It's hard to give specifics as I'm not treating you. My general recommendations are to continue with ankle strengthening and movement exercises to work on your ankle dorsiflexion (raising your foot). Reach out to your doctor or therapist for more specific recommendations to make sure your needs are being met. 😊

[@greggrant-addae1458]

How do I serch you

[@carmenaquino1142]

i hope to see exercises to address footdrop and supinated foot

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@carmenaquino, Thanks so much for your feedback!

[@sharinNZ]

Please show some exercise which help balance while sitting

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@sharinsheth, Thank you so much for the recommendation. If you haven't watched my core/trunk strengthening video, you may find it helpful. If balance is off due to muscular issues, strengthening can really help! You can watch it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/aojOaoKDYtl_oNU

[@chandrabhangehlot1268]

Am 23 I had post stroke last year problem with leg I can easily walk but I can't even start run is these exercises work for me because I seen many videos for balancing but all look like for beginners.

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@chandraghangehlot, I'm so sorry to hear about your stroke. If you're looking for more advanced balance exercises, I recently made a follow-along video. Always talk to your doctor before starting any new exercises to make sure they're right for you! kzbin.info/www/bejne/i4mwqp6Opq17rZo

[@chandrabhangehlot1268]

@@PostStrokeOrg Thank you very much I have seen that video and that's looking very useful , thanks once again.

[@samanthasims7123]

Ill do these with my mom

[@PostStrokeOrg]

Awesome! I hope they work well for her!

[@madhu58223]

I need hand exercise after strike

[@christorei4131]

Great excersice I have trouble with my foot twist, and foot lift, the muscles in that area is still weak. Any recommendations?

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@christorei, Thank so much! And those are common issues we see after stroke. Unfortunately, there is no magic trick. It takes a lot of repetition and consistency to try and reconnect brain to muscles after a stroke. So my recommendation is to keep working on it! You got this :)

[@poojahm120]

I have difficulty in both flexing my limbs. Please suggest some exercise to overcome the same

[@poojahm120]

Dr please suggest excersise to help me in flexing limbs

[@poojahm120]

Thank you so much for sharing the above video. I am both not able to raise my left leg nor able to flex my limbs. Please suggest how to go about the same. You are an angel in disguise ❤❤

[@poojahm120]

My friend who has the same problem, has lot of difficulty in lying down on the bed . Her care taker has to help her

[@poojahm120]

Please suggest what can be done. Thank you so much.. you are an angel in disguise ❤

[@nimesh9118]

❤️👍👍

[@PostStrokeOrg]

❤️

[@ameliajohnson481]

Thank you

[@PostStrokeOrg]

@ameliajohnson you’re very welcome!

[@harryhead3277]

What helps if I suffer from inflammation when I do exercise what can help

[@PostStrokeOrg]

Do you mean swelling of the affected side?

[@harryhead3277]

@@PostStrokeOrg No I get a burning sensation in my stroke side

[@bossha8354]

What a pity originally I am right handed woman the approximately 2 monthes ago an infarction has injured the left cerebral hemisphere nowadays I can not write by my right hand دعواتكم لبشرى محمد بالشفاء.العين صابتني ورب العرش نجأني

[@shahidkhanshahidzaheer6343]

Hi Dcr an we dooil massage o n affected parts

[@hamadagamea]

thank you doctor Elyse but if my uncle does not touch the land that natural as iam the stroke patient

[@hiranarang9687]

Hello Mam, it is roughly a year since scheming stroke I am need your advice .being senior and having stroke people say you are going to heaven you should not be doing these . Is it possible to make you self a stronger person when😊 stroke some of you

[@PostStrokeOrg]

Thank you for sharing a bit of your story. If your doctor has given your permission to exercise, that's the only opinion that matters!

[@talrejahema7346]

Hi Like

[@user-he2zh7nu6f]

Ma'am I am feeling my leg heavy while walking

[@madhu58223]

Hai

[@bossha8354]

ربنا أفرغ علينا صبرا وثبت أقدامنا. Chapter 2 verse 250

[@chuckdoubleday4957]

The push up exercise is hard to do with one arm, Janet

[@sshibad]

thsmk upubovyor

[@sshibad]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/h3nac4KgqbSVgrM&ab_channel=ABPNEWS yoga cure paralysi

[@bossha8354]

وإذا مرضت فهو يشفين. سورة الشعراء آية LXXX