Stay active during COVID-19

It is important to stay active during the ongoing pandemic. COVID-19 has introduced a new normal of staying home to avoid public places as much as possible.

By mporter on May 5, 2020

By: Madeleine Porter

It is important to stay active during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. COVID-19 has introduced a new normal of staying home to avoid public places as much as possible. For anyone trying to stay calm, staying home poses another challenge: staying active.

COVID-19 has driven us into a new norm of social distancing, masks, and gloves. Based on what we know, the virus moves from person to person so it is recommended to avoid public places. This has become the main factor in gyms closing because they don’t want to contribute to the ever-growing curve of COVID-19 cases.

Why we need to stay active

Regular physical activity benefits both the mind and body. It can reduce high blood pressure, help manage weight, reduce the risk of heart disease, and the risk for various cancers. For the elderly, staying active will help with their balance to prevent injuries and falls.

For children, regular physical activity helps support healthy growth and development and reduce the risk of disease later in life. Additionally, staying active provides fundamental movement skills and builds social relationships in young children.

Regular physical activity releases good endorphins to help us feel at peace and calm. It improves our mental health as well and can reduce the risk of depression, cognitive decline, and delay the onset of dementia. It improves the overall feeling of wellbeing.

How to stay safe and stay active during COVID-19

The World Health Organization released guidelines on how to stay active and stay safe during COVID-19.

Do not exercise if you have a fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. It is best to stay home and rest.

If you are able to go for a while or bicycle ride, always practice physical distancing and wash your hands.

If you go to a park or public open space to walk, run, or exercise, always practice physical distancing and wash your hands.

If you are not regularly active start slowly and with low-intensity activities, like walking and low impact exercises. It is better and safer to be active for short periods of time than to try to be active for long periods when you are not used to it.

Choose the right activity so that you reduce the risk of injury and that you enjoy what you are doing. Choose the right intensity according to your health status and fitness level.