How to prevent being sedentary during COVID-19.
COVID-19 has caused many changes in our society and one of the most striking has been closing the gyms to prevent the spread of the virus. Gyms have opened up again, but customers have been slow to return.
Widespread
In a recent article, research by Cambridge Open Exchange ” . . . researchers found that people who got the recommended amount of physical activity before the pandemic exercised about 32% less once the pandemic – and stay-at-home orders – took hold.”1
Benefits
Exercise is great for the body, it relieves stress, reduces the symptoms of anxiety and depression, and boosts your immune system.
It can also lower your risk for cancer and other diseases. And for cancer survivors, regular exercise can reduce fatigue and improve outcomes.
Options – Walking
If you have not been keeping yourself moving lately, you do not need any fancy equipment to get started, even walking provides good benefits for those just starting out. It is low risk and good exercise with all of the above benefits.
Yoga or Pilates
Video tapes and apps are also good for some variety and getting your blood pumping. You can try yoga or pilates on video or online without needing much equipment. And if you are worried about your joints, yoga and pilates are good low impact options as beneficial as walking.
Swimming
If you have access to a pool, swim for a few minutes everyday. It is great exercise – low impact, becomes aerobic quickly, and has resistance already “built in.”
Just Move
If you are stuck in the house and sitting a lot more than normal, you need something to get those joints loosened up, set an alarm every hour and stand up and march in place. The body doesn’t like sitting, it is a risk-factor for many health problems. So, five minutes every hour will help those stiff joints.
Bottom Line
As with all exercise programs, check with your doctor before beginning any workout program, use common sense and just get started. It doesn’t matter if you can only walk for 5 – 10 minutes, this is still better than sitting on the couch.
- https://www.mdanderson.org/cancerwise/how-to-get-moving-if-you-are-stuck-at-home-during-the-coronavirus-covid-19-pandemic.h00-159381945.html
